Visually Illiterate
WELL, THAT'S A CHARGE TO MAKE EVERYONE SIT UP. As the fine weather approaches Frank Readhead's article in the last Crier should make us all look around the village and notice the variety of styles and all the good and the bad design. Of course Frank was being deliberately provocative when he listed our many sided church towers as being the reason for allowing all flat roofed buildings. But such a statement does make you think, and look.
At the recent PC meeting a proposal was considered for repairing the bus shelter, the flat roof of which had rotted and needed replacing. I did not see the plans and had to rely on the verbal description of the first tender which suggested adding a small hipped roof using Spanish Slates which "will be more in keeping" with the village. Obviously Frank's comments had hit home as the bus shelter is flanked by two hipped slated buildings albeit they have Welsh Slate. Even though Spanish Slate does differ it will be acceptable because we have so many Spanish lorries coming through the village.
It is with some sadness I report this proposed gentrification of the bus shelter because I have always found it a rather lovely quiet design, albeit a little distressed because of the neglect and regular usage over the years. If you stand and face it you will find some quite fine proportions with the most subtle, gentle and self-effacing brick decoration.