Witton Half Term Trail

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Witton Trail this half term, I have collected the trails and will announce the winner soon.

Lots of jam jars full of Witton and River Tame wildlife (including Witton's industrial wildlife, like cars, bikes, cogs and engines) were placed round the streets over half term. Those that took part in the trail followed the clues on their sheets and could discover what the area used to be like, some hidden places in the present, and produce some ideas for what they would like to see happening in the area in the future.

A map was provided with the trail to help people find their way round.





















A little more information about parts of the trail.

Why is there a horse in Witton?

Well, horses used to pull carts, you can see some pictures of horses pulling the milk carts in Tame Road here. But, as well as the carts, horses used to pull the canal boats along the canal, as you can see below; the trail took you the part of the canal in the photo, along the Deykin Avenue cul-de-sac, and the house on the right is still there. It used to be the house for the toll keeper, who collected money from those using the canal.

There was also a cow along the trail, where Witton Farm used to be; now this is part of DANA. Near to DANA those on the trail found out where children, who are now in their 90s, used to pick blackberries in the autumn, and the noises that all the metal manufactories used to make.


PRESENT WITTON


 

Around Electric Avenue and Tame Road there were lots of clues about all of Witton's industry; WILD makes parts which can be found in most people's cars, plus bikes, engines and all sorts of other things are still made in the area. Many of Witton's items travel all across the country and to the rest of the world, like Germany, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Brazil, China and many other places.

FUTURE WITTON

There were some great drawings produced for how Witton could be added to, and how some of the empty buildings and spaces could be used.

I will add these to some separate posts as they were so good.

Community Feedback #2

Artwork on the Wall

The history of the industries was a particular highlight of the ideas for the wall, and many people are interested in the history of the area, though they don’t know much about it.

“History is important, the wall should have something to tell, a story to tell.”

This kind of idea of the wall telling a story can relate to many aspects of Witton. There were also thoughts to relate to the river and the animals, and that the green areas along the river should be remembered or highlighted through the defences.

It is also important to people that the different cultures are represented, and people agree that using patterns would be a good way to do this.

People were very eager for children and the local school to be involved. Someone liked the idea of making handprints or other marks that could be set in the wall, so that in generations to come children and grandchildren can come and see the marks that their ancestors made. I suggested that it could also be quotes or objects.

There will be another community consultation at the Community Centre in September, and I will keep everyone informed. It will be a great opportunity to meet the team working on the design and structure of the flood defences and look at some of the initial designs. There will also be tea and biscuits!

Witton News

I have been talking to people about the idea of re-enlivening the Witton News for the present day and have had really positive feedback (and the first few readers). One person said that it would be a good way ‘to bring different ideas together’. It can also explore the history, the local people and bring a sense of community. Many use local shops so think that it could be provided through these to reach a wider audience.

A Green Corridor

The same concern keeps arising, that the river will be hidden by the wall. Although everyone agrees that the flood defences are necessary (and I met people who were affected by the floods), most people feel that the river could be made more of an asset for the community by opening it up to be used, and many feel very strongly about this. One lady said that if a cycle path was put along the river she would go out and buy bikes for her children as there is nowhere safe for them to cycle at the moment. Another lady feels that the river should not be lost and would walk a lot along the river if it was easier to access, as she is getting older now.

One person said that these kind of green areas are ignored in England, whilst in the Netherlands they are really utilised. They think that it is a shame that using these spaces is not encouraged, and even prohibited in this country, and that being able to walk and cycle along the river would be a real asset to many in the community. The school said that they already have walks to the river, and would really love for it to be properly accessible and could involve it in the education of the children. Outdoor learning is well known to be a great way to educate young people.

Facilities for Children, Teenagers and Adults

The lack of play and activity spaces for children was brought up again, as was the fact that there is little for young people to do at the weekend. One lady mentioned that there was an after-school club at Aston Park for children aged 5 to 12 (information here). Another lady is disappointed that the Sure Start facility is no longer available in the area, along with the courses that were offered. There was a definite idea that young people should be included and most people would like to see Tamed providing workshops on the street areas over the summer holiday. I spoke to a teenager who believed that there should be play areas for both young people and teenagers, and they mentioned the Lighthouse Youth Club in Aston (facebook page here). One resident mentioned that there was a Social Hall nearby, but that it was soon to close down.

A Community Day

Most people I spoke to think that a community event would be a great idea for people to get out and get to know each other a bit more. It was thought that it would be something really positive in the area.

Language

This was the first time that language became a barrier to talking to people, as my lack of Slovakian and Urdu hampered conversations. This is something that is really important to me, and it would be great to include other languages in the Witton News and other publications. If you can help with this, please let me know.  

Any other suggestions and questions, please email jenni.colesharris@gmail.com

Community Feedback #1

I have begun talking to the local community about what you would like to be included in the flood defences that will be built from 2014, and have got some great feedback. Thank you to everyone that I have spoken to so far, and I would still like to hear much more. Here is a summary of what you have been telling me so far.

SEE THROUGH PANELS/PARTS
The general consensus is that the visibility of the River Tame will be missed, and residents would like some see through parts to the flood defences so that they can still look at the river and the wildlife. People with children like to look at the river too, and go especially to the Holford Estate to see the ducks, so see through panels at child height would be a real benefit. Having a design that relates to the river behind would also be nice, for example, wavy or watery patterns.

INVOLVING LOCAL SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Most people I have spoken to so far are really eager for myself and the rest of the project team to engage with the local schools and the other community resources. Many would especially like to see designs incorporated into the wall either made by or inspired by children's art work. The community centre is seen as a very important local asset and it is important to involve and use it.

FROM THE HISTORY TO THE PRESENT
There were suggestions and thoughts of how the defences could be used to show how the area has changed, or the journey of the area from past to present. Residents have told me about how neighbours who have now passed away talked of the industrial past of the area and the 'pounding machines'. They also think that it is vitally important to reflect the ethnicity of the whole community, from the past to the present day. Suggestions were made for working with the schools in looking at the history up until the present day.

ARTISTIC AND VIBRANT
Most residents want something that looks beautiful and bright.

GREEN PLANTING IN THE WALL
Most residents that I have spoken to so far think that a green planted area would not be a good idea. They feel that even if a group could be got together to maintain these areas, they would be a magnet for litter and passers-by to damage the plants. Also, the long-term maintenance was a concern. Those in favour of a planted area do worry that it might not be maintained.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS
A shaped top was suggested, a wavy top was one suggestion, another was the silhoette of local buildings.
An area which has some kind of play equipment for children was suggested, as there is a shortage of local play areas.
There was generally positive feedback to using locally produced/invented materials and objects.

IMPORTANT LOCAL PLACES
There were many suggestions to what local areas are important; the canals, the community centre, the schools, the people, the nearby parks, and a number of people stated that they would like more art activities in the area, including with the children, and that the community centre should be used more.

This is great feedback, and I would love to hear any more that you would like to share. Jenni.