A couple of thousand are said to have completed cards objecting to the plans for Winckley Square. As I wasn’t aware of what the objectors are voting for, except a vague statement that the square should be restored to its previous appearance and not liking the new design, particularly the totem pole, I thought I’d have a deeper look. In the library is a book by Marian Roberts who was a keen local historian and her book about Winckley Square is interesting reading.
The square appears to have had three general forms. Originally it had a large area in the middle that looks like flowers and trees, with a number of other beds scattered about in a pattern. Some time later it appears the square was divided into plots which acted as gardens for the surrounding houses. Then it became the grass and tree area we know today, although it had a period of neglect and almost became a car park. Round that time what now appears as civic vandalism was rampant and many good buildings in the square were demolished and replaced with ‘modern’ offices.
At the moment the square is very green with grass and a lot of trees. Personally I’d like it to be more open with floral beds and surrounded by trees. The lights are fine, the fountains will be fine. When will this be settled?