A Footbridge for Little Lever
Background/Context
The Artist’s Brief
A section 106 fund from a housing development at Cricketer‟s View in Little Lever has been allocated for the introduction of public art into the surrounding area for the benefit of residents of the property and the immediate area.
In July 2010 artist Liam Curtin was appointed to develop a public art proposal for the area.
(To refer to the full brief please see Appendix 1)
People
Artist: Liam Curtin
Project Manager: Gaynor Cox
The Steering Group
Councillor Anthony Connell (Little Lever Ward Member) Councillor Maureen Connell (Little Lever Ward Member) Councillor Mary Woodward (Little Lever Ward Member) Paula Connor, Bolton Council Project Officer Gaynor Cox, Housing Arts Officer
Consultation / Engagement activity
The Consultation Forum
There have been two meetings so far of this group which is made up of local residents and the Ward Councillors. The aim of the group is to be a sounding board for ideas and to guide the artist in local matters. Essentially it is the main context for the consultation process.
In summary the first meeting on 22/11/2010 supported the idea of an artwork of some kind in the canal area but firmly discouraged the idea of any permanent floating structure. At the second meeting on 25/01/2011 there was 100 percent support for the artist‟s recent proposal of a footbridge over the canal which would connect Little Lever with Moses Gate Country Park.
(For full reports on the Consultation Forum please see Appendix 2)
Ship Shape One Saturday last October a group of local residents made a decorative floating sculpture by stitching thousands of CD‟s together. The finished result was floated on the canal at the Melrose Basin where it dappled the light and made rainbow reflections in the rippling water. It was a chance for artist Liam Curtin to meet local people and to begin a dialogue with the local community about what sort of permanent feature might improve the area around the canal. See picture below.
Little Lever & Darcy Lever Area Forum
On 16/11/2010 Liam made a short presentation about public art in general, his own work and some ideas about how to develop the project in Little Lever. The presentation was generally well received although a few residents raised concerns about the location of the artwork feeling it needed to be in the town centre where more people could benefit. Fortunately the same residents have been attending The Consultation Forum and are now, through the dialogue of this group, firmly in favour of the latest proposals.
A further presentation was made to the forum on 14/02/2011. This presentation concentrated on the bridge proposal. The meeting was well attended by local residents and young people from the youth club. The bridge proposal was well received, and a positive article and editor's comment about the project subsequently appeared in the 'Bolton News' on 16/02/2011.
(Bolton News article and editor's 'Comment' - see Appendix 3)
The Little Lever Youth Club
Liam has been working with the local youth club where young people have been making models of bridges. It is hoped that by involving young people in this way they will have a sense of ownership of the bridge and as such encourage their peers to respect it The project involves art, some physics, a little maths, some quite hard work but hopefully a lot of fun! See picture below.
Officers / Agencies already liaised with / to liaise with
Nigel Hartley: Moses Gate Country Park Alex Allen: Senior Planning Officer (Bolton Council) Jon Tuson: Senior Engineering Manager (Structures & Estate Development, Bolton Council) Nick Smith: Regeneration Manager, British Waterways Steve Dent: Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society Greater Manchester Police Design for Security Suzanne Waymont: The Greater Manchester Ecology Unit Chris Waters: Bolton GMP Crime Reduction Officer Greater Manchester Police Safer Neighbourhood Team Bolton Council - Safer Communities Officer Darren Crook: Bolton Youth Leader Michael Wilkinson: Timber Specialist Joe Curley: Craftsman (with whom Liam will be building the bridge) Outline proposal
A Bridge for Little Lever
After considering a number of options for structures in the canal basin area the idea of a footbridge to connect Little Lever with Moses Gate Country Park has so far met with approval. This can be both a useful and decorative object which will add to the picturesque landscape. It will mean that the primary school children along with local residents can access the country park on foot and dog walkers can extend their regular walks to include both sides of the canal. Planning permission will be required and there will be further consultation with residents
Liam is excited about the possibilities of creating something that is decorative in both its form and detail along with being practical and useful. The design process will involve the young people of the area. This process has only just begun and any drawings shown here are merely indicative of some early ideas for a design. The final design will be ready for comment and approval by the end of February 2011.
Below: the proposed site for the bridge just a bit west of the Melrose Basin where the canal narrows for drainage.
Aims of the Bridge
To provide better access to Moses gate Country park for residents of Little Lever. To extend the scope of walkers.
To provide a focus within the landscape. The bridge, although functional will be an artwork too. It may have decorative details.
To provide a viewing platform from which to survey the local scenery (the bridge will be 3 metres above the water line giving a increased views of the Irwell valley)
The footbridge should have a magical element, a structure about which one might weave a story. The artist wishes to imbue the bridge with romance, for it to be a meeting place, “the place of our first kiss” “he proposed to me on the bridge”
Site specifications / considerations
The bridge will need to have two foundations, for the abutments, one each side of the canal. Liam will work with Jon Tuson (engineer) who has also offered to do the calculations for the structure so that we can accurately determine the gauges of any materials used and guarantee the structure stability.
There have been many discussions about access but unfortunately given the constraints of the site it will not be possible to build a bridge that does not have steps. Once south of the canal walkers face steps and steep hills in any case into the country park.
The height of bridge will be 3 metres above the waterline which should allow for canal boats to pass underneath. The canal is 6.2 metres wide at the site and the bridges span will have to be within 10 metres in order to keep the tow path clear. The bridge may include some signage.
Planning permission will be sought after March this year when the final design has been approved by all concerned. Liam will order a survey to assess the bridges impact on the environmental. There will also be a crime survey. British waterways will be kept informed at all stages and their approval will be sought for the final design.
Materials
English oak will be used as the main material in the bridge. Liam is conducting research into how best to work this material and how best to source the best quality wood. Liam‟s colleague Joe Curley is an experienced craftsman and will be collaborating directly with Liam in the structures fabrication. Detailed plans of this process have yet to be developed but it is most likely that the main elements of the bridge will be made off site and assembled on site. Details of method statements and risk assessments will be provided well in advance.
There maybe some structural steel used depending on the design.
During March (2011) Joe and Liam will be making some trial joints from oak to test out the best approach for joining the material.
There maybe some decorative detailing within the bridge in the form of small ceramic insets, glazed roof tiles or steel enamelled plaques.
Maintenance
The bridge will be built in such a way that maintenance will be very low. Oak is very durable and very dense. People have expressed a worry that miscreants may try to set the bridge on fire, and whilst of course this is possible it is very unlikely that the thick oak members could catch fire. It is hoped that because of the intense community involvement in this project that there will be many a watchful eye on the structure.
A special meeting will take place on Tuesday 15th March 2011 between residents of Ascot Road and local police and crime safety officers to discuss all the possible problems that the bridge may bring.
A commuted sum of less than £5,000 will be handed over to the Council, from the budget, for maintenance and testing of the bridge. This will involve a bi- annual visual inspection by Council engineers and a 6 yearly bridge test.
On completion officers of the Council will be invited to inspect the bridge and if satisfied ownership will pass to the Council. The artist will stay engaged for a further 12 months to attend to any 'snagging'.
Current Budget
Total allocation £89,000.00
12.5 % management fee amount £11,125.00 sub-total £77,875.00
10% contingency amount £7,241.60 sub-total £70,633.40 Minus expenses Stage 1 - room hire, interview fees, printing, St john's ambulance + marquee for consultation event £545.90
Stage 1: consultation & design proposal amount £11,800 sub-total £58,833.40
Stage 2: implementation (including CURRENT STAGE 2 £58,833.40 maintenance / decommissioning budget) BUDGET Plus £7,241.60 contingency, or potential use as commuted sum
Total available budget including the above £66,075.00 mentioned contingency
Stage 2 Budget (estimated)
Materials 16,000.00
Transport 900.00
Planning fees 350.00
Other professional fees including surveys 1,500.00
Equipment hire including on site fencing and 2,200.00 scaffolding, generator, site storage facilities, etc.
Foundations and site preparation. 2,000.00
Subcontractors fees (site work and 12,000.00 fabrication)
Assistants wages 3,500.00
Workspace rent (3 months) 5,400.00
Maintenance (estimated commuted sum) 3,500.00
Contingency 3,725.00
Artists Fee (including design, fabrication, 15,000.00 coordination, on site management, consultation etc.
Total 66,075.00 A more detailed budget for stage 2 will follow shortly. At the moment until a final design is complete it is a difficult to assess exact costs. The budget takes in to account the following –
Materials, transport, labour, subcontractors fees, fees for surveys, engineers fees, artist‟s fee, expenses in association with consultation and planning fees.
Timetable 2011
February Developing the design with reference to the Consultation Forum and the youth club. Advice on materials from John Body Timber Ltd. Structural calculations by Jon Tuson, Senior Engineering Manager (Structures & Estate Development, Bolton Council) Also with reference to British Waterways guidelines, the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, The Architectural Liaison unit, Moses Gate Country Park, The Steering Group and local residents from Ascot Road.
March Approval of the design by all the above mentioned.
April Planning Application presented. Stage 2 budget finalised. Continuing research into materials, planning the work, method statements and risk assessments prepared. Site storage and management planned and agreed by The Council. Local contractors sourced and provisionally appointed for foundations.
May Planning approval. Bridge fabrication begins.
June Fabrication continues. Final details of site management sorted and approved. Opening event planned with local residents
July Site construction started
August Bridge finished on site. Maintenance schedules agreed. Opening event involving local residents.
Some Sketch Designs
Please note that the following illustrations are for discussion purposes, they are not necessarily to scale and are not yet designed in a structural sense. The final design will require engineer‟s calculations to prove that the structure will stand up, be robust and have a long life.
The Final Design
This design takes its structural element from Leonardo Da Vinci‟s bridge design which is based on interlocking lengths of wood that stay in place due to gravity. It is sometimes known as a friction lock bridge. See illustrations below.
After much consideration the artist has decided to progress a quite simple design for the bridge. It needed to look just right in what is a lovely landscape. There seemed no need for unnecessary adornment; it will hopefully be a well made bridge out of quality materials serving a useful purpose like any good work of craft.
This bridge has a doorway in the centre. It has no function; it is a metaphorical door to the country park. It is a frame for the landscape. The idea of a pagoda style roof for the bridge has been rejected for fear of it becoming a meeting place for miscreants and so the doorway becomes a symbolic roof. At this stage it is quite optional and is placed in the drawing for discussion purposes. The absurdity of a door in a frame without walls or building appeals to the artist and in some way gives the form of the bridge some meaning beyond its function. It takes its inspiration from a painting by Magritte, absurd sketches in Monty Python and the great Japanese film “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring” by Ki-Duk Kim which features a symbolic door in the landscape between enlightenment and the real world.
Magritte‟s painting.
Artist’s Impression
There is a public consultation in progress for naming the bridge.
Liam Curtin 10th March 2011
2 Worthing Street Manchester M14 7PR 0161 248 9356 07962783100 [email protected]
APPENDIX 1
Public Art Scheme: Williams Street, Little Lever, Bolton
Introduction
Housing Percent for Art is seeking an experienced public artist or creative collaboration with demonstrable community engagement and design skills.
Housing Percent for Art - a service located within Bolton at Home, the arms length management organisation (ALMO) managing Bolton Council's housing stock - is currently acting on behalf of Bolton Council to provide a project management service relating to the development and delivery of a number of its public art schemes.
Housing Arts Officers work with communities to help improve their neighbourhoods through arts projects. Housing Percent for Art's objectives are: To help improve the physical and social fabrics of communities To develop opportunities with local cultural industries To encourage closer links between artists, residents and the professionals that shape the environment To work in partnership to develop Borough wide arts and culture projects
Aim
Cricketers View is a large development of private residential properties on Williams Street, Little Lever, Bolton. Through the Council's Development Control Policy Note for the Provision of Public Art (January 2005), a sum has been allocated for the introduction of public art into the surrounding area for the benefit of residents of the property and the immediate area.
Context
Little Lever is an area of Bolton and forms part of Little Lever & Darcy Lever ward, which (according to the 2001 Census) has a total resident population of around 12,000 people and covers an area of 481 hectares.
As the Cricketers View development is very close to the Little Lever town centre, this creates a number of opportunities and potential links.
A number of physical improvements to the town centre are planned through Bolton Council's District Centre Improvement Fund, however the shopping precinct is a relatively poor environment and comprises a high number of vacant units, and the economy and shopping experience would no doubt benefit from an injection of creativity. The public art scheme is therefore an opportunity to raise the profile of Little Lever; to kick-start the reinvigoration of a rather tired and dated high street; and to attract new businesses and users to Little Lever town centre. .
This public art scheme will require consultation with local Members and residents of the Williams Street development. However, this scheme is also an opportunity to engage with local people on a wider scale, particularly with residents and tenants of the adjacent private and social housing estates, with shopkeepers and town centre users, and with young people (through local schools and youth groups).
The Brief
We are looking for an experienced public artist or creative collaboration to undertake research and consultation, prepare a Design Proposal for an appropriate public art scheme, and (subject to approval) ultimately implement that Design Proposal.
A Design Proposal is initially sought for a public art scheme to create a permanent piece of public art; a number of smaller, linked pieces of public art; or a temporary public art event leading to a permanent piece of public art. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from artists working in the medium of light installation.
The public art scheme will consist of two stages.
Stage 1: research, consultation and production of appropriate public art design proposal Stage 2: (subject to approval) implementation of the design proposal
Preparation of this design proposal will include:
Consultation with Members, local residents, Bolton Council and Bolton at Home officers, and other relevant stakeholders Researching and identifying suitable site(s) in the surrounding area Producing an appropriate design specification Identifying all relevant technical issues Preparing a 'Stage 2' budget (including projected maintenance and/or decommissioning considerations and costs) Preparing an implementation schedule
The project may also be a potential opportunity for shadowing/work experience for a new / emerging public artist. The successful candidate must therefore show a willingness and ability to manage that individual.
Budget & Timescale
Total project budget available: £70,000
Stage 1:
Consultation, and preparation and delivery of appropriate public art Design Proposal and design specification.
The contract for this preparatory work will run from July 2010 to the submission of the Design Proposal by 31st October 2010.
The fee for Stage 1 will be agreed on the basis of the daily rate and number of days proposed to: undertake consultation, and to research, prepare and deliver an appropriate public art design proposal and design specification.
The artist is requested to submit a proposed range of fees including number of days proposed to undertake Stage 1 of this project.
Total fee for Stage 1 will need to cover all relevant costs including: Artist fee Materials and expenses Research All costs relating to the production of an appropriate design proposal and specification Travel and accommodation Insurance
Stage 2:
Implementation of Design Proposal - subject to approval by Bolton Council.
Timescale for implementation, fabrication and/or installation to be delivered within the Design Proposal and agreed by Bolton Council prior to commencement of Stage 2.
The total fee for this stage of the project will be determined by the budget delivered within the Design Proposal and agreed by Bolton Council prior to commencement of Stage 2.
The budget will need to cover all relevant costs including: Artist fee Fabrication and installation costs Construction & any ground work Planning fees Transport Travel and accommodation Materials and expenses Insurance
Skills & Experience
You will be a professional, practising artist, with at least three years experience of creating quality and innovative public art works. The appointed artist will be able to demonstrate:
the delivery of comparable projects and the aptitude to deliver this type of work relevant design and technical skills, and demonstrable understanding of the technical issues relating to public art work experience of working with relevant professionals, including planners, architects, health and safety officers, and local government officers experience of influencing key stakeholders in the delivery of public art experience and understanding of working with communities, to collaboratively explore the ideas of residents on a creative, constructive and social level excellent communication and community engagement skills excellent budget and project management skills
For working with children and/or vulnerable adults, you will need to be aware of child protection policy, and will have, or be willing to have, Enhanced CRB Disclosure. You will also need to provide evidence of eligibility to work in the UK, and public liability insurance cover between the value of £2m and £5m.
Management arrangements
This contract is offered on a freelance basis. The selected artist will work as part of a team comprising officers from Bolton at Home, Bolton Council and other relevant agencies that will provide all appropriate support for the preparation of a design proposal.
Monitoring and evaluation
The project will require the provision and/or reporting of monitoring and evaluation information.
You will be required to obtain (and provide on request) details of individuals and groups consulted.
You will be required to attend project update meetings with officers and/or provide update reports at regular intervals.
APPENDIX 2
Little Lever s106 Art Project Consultation Forum Little Lever Community Centre 6.30 - 800 pm, 22nd November 2010
Attending:
Liam Curtin Lead artist Councillor A Connell Councillor M Connell Councillor M Woodward Gaynor Cox Housing Arts Officer (East), Bolton at Home Yolande Baxendale Shadowing artist Sharon McCarthy Resident May Barlow Resident Sandra Jones Resident Graham Bailey Resident Andrew Sproat Resident Paul Richardson Resident R. E. Richardson Resident Helen Ireland Resident (Darcy Lever) Emily Hewson Bolton Council Play & Children's Services (5-19s)
Context
Bolton at Home's Housing Percent for Art service has been asked to project manage an arts project in Little Lever on behalf of Bolton Council. The budget for the arts project has come from a planning agreement related to the Cricketers View residential development on Williams Street, Little Lever.
As the developer of the scheme did not wish to commission specific artwork for the development, a financial contribution was made to the Council to create artwork on a nearby or other appropriate site. As with other similar s106 agreements, Bolton Council has agreed that the site of the artwork must fall within the Ward.
A recruitment panel, involving Gaynor Cox (Bolton at Home Housing Arts Officer), Paula Connor (Bolton Council Project Officer) and the three Ward Members recruited and commissioned artist Liam Curtin in July 2010. Liam has been working in Little Lever since that time to creatively engage and consult with residents of Little Lever, and to research suitable sites, in order to produce a design proposal and specification for an appropriate artwork.
This is the first stage in the process and any proposal will need to have be supported by Ward Members, and be submitted to and approved by Bolton Council's Executive Member for Development, Regeneration and Skills
Introduction
Liam gave a brief presentation regarding his arts background, previous projects and experience.
Liam then gave a brief outline of the ideas and theme for the project so far, particularly focusing on water and the canal. A community event, titled „Ship Shape‟, was held on Saturday 16th October in order to generate residents‟ interest in the project, and a temporary artwork (a 'CD boat') created by the artist working with local residents was launched onto the canal.
Liam initially suggested that the art project could be something usable (a river boat, or a series of boats, for example), or something decorative (like a floating art trail); it could be something permanent or something temporary. However, if there was an overwhelming view from residents against any suggestion, then this will obviously be taken into account.
Anything proposed for the water will need to be licensed, looked after, maintained and stored – these are all things that will be investigated and agreed prior to any final proposal being drawn up. Liam is currently talking to organisations in the area about the possibility of a boat being adopted. A licence was obtained from British Waterways for the „Ship Shape‟ activity.
Residents concerns:
Not a lot of people use the canal and some residents felt the project should be sited more central to the population and housing of Little Lever (which is mostly to the East of the canal). However, it was also suggested that something attractive would attract people to the canal. Councillor M Connell said that a number of people from the other side of Little Lever and from Cricketers View had commented to her positively about activity on the canal.
One resident stated that Bolton Anglers Society had raised concerns that an art work on the canal would interfere with fishing. Liam confirmed that permission would be sought from British Waterways and anglers‟ concerns would be investigated.
Safety was an issue for some residents, particularly regarding teenagers trying to access any work sited in the canal. However, the project could also be an opportunity to educate young people. Emily Hewson suggested contacting the Outdoor Education Team (Emily will provide a contact), who provide trained sailors and watersports activities for children and young people. Councillor Woodward confirmed that Bolton Council would not approve or support any project without considering safety - safeguarding children and young people is a Council priority. It was suggested that focusing on the land adjacent to the canal would be a safer option.
Vandalism was another issue that was raised. However it was suggested that involving young people in consultation and construction of the art work would help to reduce the possibility of the artwork being damaged. Comments were made that very little vandalism had occurred in the town centre and that young people from Little Lever don‟t tend to hang around Little Lever, they go to Bolton.
Residents ideas for the canal area:
One resident suggested that attracting people to the canal would benefit residents by encouraging people to be more healthy, to exercise more, and could (for example) contribute to the prevention of obesity.
Restoration of the old boat house building was suggested. However the last estimate for the cost of repairs to the building was £250k and the current art budget is therefore not sufficient. However, a piece of work on the Melrose Basin may kick-start more activity in, and possible regeneration of, the canal area.
One resident suggested something to sit in and watch the world go by. Liam suggested the work could be a pavilion that people could sit it, or a boat house „folly‟, although a boat house would need a boat.
One resident said they would love to see boats back on the canal, and suggested a day-long „Little Lever Regatta‟, possibly as a launch event for the art work.
A number of residents took the view that it is important to seek the views of, and involve young people in the project, and that it is the older generation‟s responsibility to ensure the quality of the work and that the work is of benefit to future generations.
It was suggested that young people would more likely want the artwork to be something that was interactive.
Emily Hewson suggested Liam undertake a separate consultation with young people, involving something „hands-on‟. Ward Members and Emily left the Consultation Forum early in order to attend a meeting at the Youth Centre and said they would make the suggestion to the young people there. Liam said that he had made contact with Little Lever High School, planned to do some workshops with school children, and wanted to involve young people, particularly 'disaffected' young people, in building the art work.
Other suggestions included something suspended over the canal, and a history trail with the boat house as the starting point. A number of residents said that they would like to see something other than a single sculpture. Liam agreed that he wouldn‟t want to produce a clichéd piece of public art, neither would he want to stitch together an art work based on the industrial heritage of the area (local industry, he said, should be documented and recorded but not necessarily celebrated).
Other sites proposed by residents:
The land opposite the entrance to Cricketers View as an alternative site for the project - although this is land designated for housing. The land around Potters Brew at the entrance to Little Lever.
PLEASE NOTE:
Date of next Consultation Forum meeting
Tuesday 25th January 2011, 6.30 to 8.00 pm, at Little Lever Community Centre, Mytham Road, Little Lever
Little Lever Art Project Consultation Forum Little Lever Community Centre 6.30 - 8.00 pm, Tuesday 25th January 2011
Attending:
Liam Curtin Lead Artist Councillor A Connell Gaynor Cox Housing Arts Officer (Bolton East), Bolton at Home Sharon McCarthy Resident Fran & Stan West Resident Graham J Bailey Resident Julie Skinner Resident Flo Cordock Resident H D Ireland Darcy Lever Residents Association Kath Kelly Little Lever West Residents Association R E Richardson Resident M Berry Resident E Cartwright Resident Sandra Jones Resident May Barlow Resident Paul Richardson Resident S Dent Resident Andrew Sproat Resident
Apologies: Councillor M Connell Councillor M Woodward John Fletcher Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal Society Emily Hewson Bolton Council Play & Children‟s Services Yolande Baxendale Shadowing Artist Dawn Yates-Obé Resident
Liam informed the group that, as suggested at the last meeting, he had visited the Youth Centre to speak to the young people there about the project.
Mr R. Richardson commented that he still had concerns that the siting of the art work at the canal for the project meant that it “wasn‟t for the masses”, as not a lot of people go to the canal. A number of residents disagreed Mr Richardson‟s concerns.
Liam said that the consensus of residents attending the last Consultation Forum in November last year seemed to be that they were happy with the canal as the site of the art work, but they weren‟t happy with anything „floating‟. As a result of that meeting, Liam had reconsidered the proposed artwork.
Liam informed the group that nothing will be constructed on site without planning permission, speaking to a bridge engineer and structural engineer, etc., and (if approval was granted) once construction was completed a Council bridge engineer would inspect the bridge on a regular basis (every 2 years).
Concerns were raised by a number of residents regarding potential vandalism of a bridge, particularly considering the potential increase in footfall. Liam said that we were looking at addressing this in advance by working with some of the young people from the area. Liam also said that vandals would have a job damaging the bridge as, if it was made out of oak timber, it would be tough.
Liam has visited the Youth Centre and has worked with the young people there over the last few weeks, making small models, and at the last session the group made a half-size model bridge (half the size of the width of the canal pinch point, which is 6.2m).
Liam is also considering a bridge-building activity with the young people - possibly building a temporary bridge over the canal similar to Leonardo's military friction bridge. The activity will involve the young people having to use a bit of maths, a bit of physics, a bit of woodwork, etc. There is also the potential to use the activity as a sort of consultation and invite local residents to come along and try it out. Liam has proposed this idea to dog walkers and they like the idea. The temporary bridge will be staffed and supervised at all times, however some more work with the youth group will be required and a group of adults would be needed to help out. Residents suggested contacting the local Scouts Group - contact David Bootland.
Mr Paul Richardson commented that when he said the newsletter that Liam had produced and delivered to properties in the vicinity of the canal, and the idea for the bridge, he was “inspired”. It opens up access to the towpath and to the Country Park from the Redcar Road side of the canal, and thinks it will help to develop that end.
Mr Graham Bailey mentioned that the bridge project would link to getting active / keeping fit, and therefore contribute to the health of the community. It would encourage people to walk, and people could go for longer walks. Dog walkers would be particularly interested, as it would mean they would be able to access both sides of the canal. It won‟t allow people to walk further along the canal, but it would allow people to access the Country Park.
The Canal Society said that they had received loads of positive comments about the temporary „Ship Shape‟ boat and it had attracted a lot more people to the canal.
Liam said that he had wanted to make the work of art usable, and this idea has a number of functions. It‟s not just utilitarian, however, as Liam is also planning it to be a decorative thing in a beautiful landscape, possibly decorated with „jewel-like‟ glass, ceramic and/or enamel pieces, and possibly working with schools to design these. Although we won‟t be expecting the children to make the artwork, it will help to give them a sense of ownership and pride, and therefore help to protect the bridge.
According to British Waterways, the bridge needs to be 3m above the water. This will mean it will act as a viewing platform, and give a much better view of the landscape. It will also has a romantic element for some – “I‟ll meet you by the bridge”.
Liam has spent time making news letters to deliver to properties around the canal in the hope that those residents might keep an eye on the bridge in the future. If no-one loves it, then it won‟t be looked after. Liam will be working hard to make people love the idea.
One resident raised the concern of dog fouling. This is a valid concern, as an increase in the number of people using the area could naturally mean an equivalent increase in dog poo. Liam will be working with the Canal Society regarding cleaning up / tidying up the area, and this issue will be taken into account in discussions with the Council. The Canal Society is currently doing regular tidy-ups in the area, until funding is secured to clean the canal area in future. Residents suggested Community Payback could be contacted, as they had done a fantastic job of clearing footpaths etc around Little Lever recently.
The Council‟s Planning Officer has informed Liam that he will have to produce an ecological survey as part of the project.
Steve from the Canal Society informed the group that there was a working party at Nob End on Saturday/Sunday 29/30 January 2011 and everyone is welcome.
Liam recollected Mr Paul Richardson‟s comment at the last meeting about having a Regatta and activities in the summer at the end of the project at Melrose Basin. Mr Richardson said it would be reminiscent of the TV programme „Midsomer Murders‟, where there is always a carnival or fete – it‟s an idea that‟s been kicking around for a while.
One resident suggested that posts at each end of the bridge be considered in the construction to prevent motorbikes going over.
The question of disabled access was raised. Liam said that we need to look into this more and he has had discussions about this with the Country Park. If ramps are used, it would need a very long ramp because of the gradient required (1:11?). It may not be possible, or impractical - similar to the issue of stiles in the countryside. It will, however, be a „jewel in the landscape‟ for everyone to enjoy. But we will give it as much thought as possible and make it as easy as possible for less able bodied to use.
One resident suggested Liam have a look at the bridge between Bradford Park and Leverhulme.
Using the local scaffolding firm was suggested – possibly approach them and possibly get „at trade‟ prices and publicity for them.
Liam will be presenting an update to the Little Lever & Darcy Lever Area Forum on Monday 14th February 2011, at Mytham Road Primary School, from 6.30 pm. Flyers advertising the Area Forum were distributed to those attending.
PLEASE NOTE:
Date of next Consultation Forum meeting
'Special Community Safety Meeting' - Tuesday 15th March 2011, 6.30 to 8.00 pm, at Little Lever Community Centre, Mytham Road, Little Lever Little Lever Consultation Forum Mailing List
Name Organisation Contact 1. Paula Connor Bolton Council [email protected] 2. Councillor A Connell Bolton Council [email protected] 3. Councillo r M Connell Bolton Council [email protected] 4. Councillor M Woodward Bolton Council [email protected] 5. Chris Lloyd Bolton Council Assistant [email protected] Head of Service Performance & Improvement, Environmental Services and resident of Little Lever 6. Yolande Baxendale Shadowing artist [email protected] 72 New Heys Way Bradshaw Bolton BL2 4AQ 7. Nigel Hartley Bolton Council Major Parks Team Leader - Moses Gate Environmental Services Rock Hall Moses Gate Country Park, Hall Lane Farnworth Bolton BL4 7QN 8. John Fletcher Chairman, [email protected] Manchester, Bolton 36 Trawden Avenue & Bury Canal Bolton Society BL1 6JD 9. Steve Dent Working Party Organiser, [email protected] Manchester, Bolton & 31 Tiverton Close Bury Canal Society 10. Emily Hewson Bolton Council Play [email protected] & Children's Positive Activities Provision Services Team Leader Little Lever Youth Centre Herbert Street Little Lever Bolton BL3 1L 11. Helen Ireland Darcy Lever Residents 6 Snow Hill Road Association Darcy Lever Bolton BL3 1SR 12. Andrew Sproat [email protected] 19 Worcester Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1DZ 13. Sharon McCarthy [email protected] 21 Ascot Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1ED 14. May Barlow 145 Tong Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1PU
15. Sandra Jones 32 Wilby Avenue Little Lever Bolton BL3 1QE 16. Graham Bailey [email protected] 7 York Avenue Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EU 17. Paul Richardson [email protected] 24 Ripon Close Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EQ 18. R. E. Richardson 38 Aintree Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EQ 19. David Sillery 01204 411064 1 Doncaster Close Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EG 20. Julie Skinner 11 Holcombe Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EJ 21. Flo Cordock 11 Holcombe Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EJ 22. E. Cartwright 30 Lancaster Drive Little Lever Bolton BL3 1XF 23. Kath Kelly Little Lever West [email protected] Residents Association 11 Kershaw Avenue Little Lever Bolton BL3 1QS 24. The Secretary Little Lever Churches King's Centre Together Market Street Little Lever Bolton BL3 1HN 25. The Sycamore Project Zac's Youth Bar 71 Market Street Farnworth Bolton BL4 7NS 26. Marie McKinney Greenbelt Action Group 42 Newbury Road Secretary Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EA 27. The Secretary Little Lever Cricket Club Victory Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1JB 28. Mrs Berry 90 Aintree Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1ER 29. Mrs Fiddy 11 Worcester Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1DZ 30. Mark Bolton 94 Aintree Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1ER
31. Mr Heaton 89 Aintree Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1ES 32. Ms T Horrocks 17 Ascot Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1ED 33. Mrs Williams 8 Beverly Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1HB 34. Mrs Fran West + Mr Stan 30 Newbury Road West Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EA 35. Mr & Mrs Hyla 4 Holcombe Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EJ 36. Mr Watson 17 Worcester Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1DZ 37. Jeff Gibson [email protected] 38. Graham Howarth 13 Ascot Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1ED 39. Alan Thomason 01204 704994 88 Aintree Road Little Lever Bolton BL3 1ER 40. Jenny Skehan [resident adjacent to site 49 Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 41. Mr S Bolger & Ms A Bolger [resident adjacent to site 50 Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 42. The Occupier [resident adjacent to site 51 Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 43. Mrs Probert [resident adjacent to site 54 Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 44. Mrs J O‟Connell [resident adjacent to site 56 Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 45. Mr R Gibbon & Ms V [resident adjacent to site 07738 493122 Gibbon of bridge - identified by 58 Ascot Road Alex Allen, Planning] Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EE 46. Mr Paul Riley & Ms C Riley [resident adjacent to site 01204 402747 of bridge - identified by 60 Ascot Road Alex Allen, Planning] Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EE
47. The Occupier [resident adjacent to site 62 Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 48. Mr P Boyce & Ms J Boyce [resident adjacent to site 64 Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 49. Mr J Kempster-Lee & Mrs [resident adjacent to site 07118 962266 Lynn Kempster-Lee of bridge - identified by 66 Ascot Road Alex Allen, Planning] Little Lever Bolton BL3 1EE 50. Mr N King & Ms E King [resident adjacent to site 68 Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 51. Gemma Doherty [resident adjacent to site 68a Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 52. Mr & Mrs Hill [resident adjacent to site 70 Ascot Road of bridge - identified by Little Lever Alex Allen, Planning] Bolton BL3 1EE 53. Janett Sheddon Safer Communities Officer Bolton Council Community Safety Team Farnworth Town Hall Market Street Farnworth Bolton BL4 7PD 54. GMP South boltonsouth.neighbourhoodteam@ Neighbourhood Policing gmp.police.uk Team 55. GMP South [email protected] Neighbourhood Policing Team 56. GMP South [email protected] Neighbourhood Policing Team 57. GMP South [email protected] Neighbourhood Policing Team 58. GMP South [email protected] Neighbourhood Policing Team 59. GMP Crime Reduction [email protected] Officer 60. Maurice Pennington Police Community Support [email protected] Officer k 61. Andrea Parkinson Police Community Support Officer
62. Michael Craig Consultant, GMP Design [email protected] for Security rg 0161 856 5912 [email protected]
2nd Floor, Charlton House, Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0GW. 63. Lynette Rushmore Works at Bolton CVS, [email protected] resident of Little Lever 64. Dawn Yates-Obe Works for Housing dawn.yates- Percent for Art, resident of [email protected] Little Lever 65. Margaret Simpson Mytham Road CP School [email protected] [Would like to be involved as over the next 2 years, art and creativity is a key focus for Mytham] 66. Claire Hope Masefield CP School [email protected] [Can't attend consultation forum but would like to be kept updated] 67. Claire Hardman Ladywood Special School [email protected]. [Expressed interest in their uk pupils being involved in the consultation / community art project] APPENDIX 3