Anger has erupted in the village made famous for starring in iconic Christmas film The Holiday over large planters installed by the council. Shere in Surrey was the backdrop for the 2006 festive romcom featuring Hollywood stars including Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet.

But some locals are up in arms about the new planters placed in the village square, with one person likening them to bins. Some residents are reportedly so annoyed that they are threatening to set them alight at the nearby recreational ground on Bonfire Night if they aren’t removed. The Sun reports it has been told that one villager, who overlooks the planters, is understood to be considering legal action against the local authority for allegedly decreasing the value of her house by £150,000.

The wooden planters have been introduced as part of efforts to pedestrianise the centre of Shere.

Local Andrew Bullman, 46, said the planters are “not exactly in keeping with” the village’s chocolate box look.

“They look like unsightly bins,” he said.

"I also don't really understand the need for them. I mean, this isn't exactly an area with major traffic congestion. It's already a pretty pedestrianised area.

"I imagine the money could have been used better elsewhere."

Former local architect Martin Johnson, 78, also isn’t impressed.

He said: “They're pretty ugly at the moment but I assume they're half-finished. They're not a great colour - it would be better if they matched the trees or fencing - and they're too high.

"For planters to look good, they need to be lower. Then, they'll look better once they have flowers or trees in them."

His friend Katherine Davies-Samway, 79, who was visiting from the US, added: "They definitely need to be a different colour. They don't suit the surroundings at the moment."

Surrey County Council says on its website that the planters were recently introduced as part of a scheme to "create a pedestrianised area and introduce a seating area for residents to use" in Shere's The Square.

Dean Hart, 44, is manager at Hilly's Tea Shop which is next to the new planters.

He said he was excited by the new pedestrian area and was confident it would be good for the community.

He, his wife, and his mother-in-law decided to apply for an area again, and three years on, the council granted the request.

However, he said he has received abuse and decided to take the business off social media.

Dean said: “The vision was about creating a space where people can relax in the village.

"It's a place where parents can bring their kids without worrying about cars and roads - and where members of the community can come together.

"It was all always about the community. And already - people are using it.

"Loads of people have been using these benches since they were put in.

"But of course there are a lot of people who are unhappy. It's an old school village and people often don't like change.

"And unfortunately, we're getting the brunt of it.

"There's been a lot of abuse. We've taken our business off social media.

"And I get the arguments - they've been placed a bit haphazardly.

"But they're not finished. And I think they're considering making the planters smaller.

"At the end of the day, though, this will be good for the community."

Other locals have supported the move.

Izzi Lee-Pearse, 34, said it is a “great idea”, saying: "I grew up in Spain so I know how important the use of outdoor space is for communities - and this is a great example of that.”

Paul Colonna, 67, said: "A lot of other locals might not like them but I do. I think it's good to have an area - especially for children.

"And I also think we should all be supporting Hilly's Tea Shop. It's a wonderful family-run business that is welcoming to everyone.

"So this is a great way to add to that community spirit."

A Surrey county councillor told the BBC the planters were "an experiment" and something "more appropriate" would eventually replace them.

Surrey County Council was approached for further comment.