Norwood Triangle bench damaged
Annoying to report that significant damage was caused on 11 or 12 Oct 2018 by a vehicle hitting this bench, erected in Memory of SPJARA founding member Jill Maryszczak. No vehicles should ever be on this pedestrianised area which has a delicate surface.
SPJARA will ensure that the bench is repaired and reinstated ASAP. SPJARA will also continue to press for bollards to be installed around the perimeter of the Triangle to prevent a repeat occurrence, to protect pedestrians and prevent damage to its trees and bushes.
The plants going in, April 2016
The Norwood Triangle is finally completed!
SPJARA has been working with Gloucestershire Highways to improve the Norwood Triangle since 2007. We raised funds to replace the bleak tarmac and secured a Lottery Grant. But several attempts at resurfacing the triangle failed, though the trees have thrived. In 2015, a better surface was laid, an area of paving alongside the houses was created and two large and two small triangles were prepared for planting. On 10 February 2016, the scheme was completed with the planting of the two large triangles with box and two small ones with lavender.
The street party in June 2016 was therefore the culmination of many years of effort. Thanks are due to many people, notably:
SPJARA also say "thank you" to Michele Beint for her professional guidance.
Thanks too for the patience shown by those living on the triangle who had to put up with a lot until the gravel surfaces outside their homes were replaced with paving slabs.
Cllr Tim Harman said "I am delighted that this Community led scheme has been completed and would like to give my thanks to all those involved. The planting its crowing glory and the whole project enhances our area."
Most of the new box plants have flourished and as they thicken up, they help to create a more solid green effect. A group of SPJARA volunteers have been watering and weeding the area through the summer, and keeping it litter-free.
SPJARA has been working with Gloucestershire Highways to improve the Norwood Triangle since 2007. We raised funds to replace the bleak tarmac and secured a Lottery Grant. But several attempts at resurfacing the triangle failed, though the trees have thrived. In 2015, a better surface was laid, an area of paving alongside the houses was created and two large and two small triangles were prepared for planting. On 10 February 2016, the scheme was completed with the planting of the two large triangles with box and two small ones with lavender.
The street party in June 2016 was therefore the culmination of many years of effort. Thanks are due to many people, notably:
- Michael Dower who conceived the idea and helped raise the funds and got the trees planted and the area re-surfaced
- Chris Riley of Gloucestershire Highways who helped when the surfaces went wrong
- Tim Harman who badgered the county to rectify matters and persuaded Amey to meet the costs of so doing.
SPJARA also say "thank you" to Michele Beint for her professional guidance.
Thanks too for the patience shown by those living on the triangle who had to put up with a lot until the gravel surfaces outside their homes were replaced with paving slabs.
Cllr Tim Harman said "I am delighted that this Community led scheme has been completed and would like to give my thanks to all those involved. The planting its crowing glory and the whole project enhances our area."
Most of the new box plants have flourished and as they thicken up, they help to create a more solid green effect. A group of SPJARA volunteers have been watering and weeding the area through the summer, and keeping it litter-free.
Take a seat on the Norwood Triangle!
SPJARA Secretary, Cassandra Phillips, on the newly installed bench
Thanks to a generous offer from Chez Maryszczak - in memory of his wife Jill, who died in 2015 - we have been able to install a memorial bench on the Norwood Triangle. Made by Jason Bayliss, it looks south over the trees and shrubs that have been planted here over the past few years.
The bench completes a project that was initiated, largely funded and is now maintained by SPJARA as a community asset. We've also had good support from Gloucestershire Highways and Cheltenham Borough Council.
While most local residents welcomed idea of installing the bench, some were worried that it might become a focus for anti-social behaviour. So it's been agreed with Gloucestershire and Cheltenham that the bench is there for a trial period - and its use will be monitored before a decision is taken on whether to keep it there permanently The police will also keep an eye on how it is used.
We hope it will be much used (responsibly of course). It certainly adds to the attractions of this small, green area at the heart of our community.
The bench completes a project that was initiated, largely funded and is now maintained by SPJARA as a community asset. We've also had good support from Gloucestershire Highways and Cheltenham Borough Council.
While most local residents welcomed idea of installing the bench, some were worried that it might become a focus for anti-social behaviour. So it's been agreed with Gloucestershire and Cheltenham that the bench is there for a trial period - and its use will be monitored before a decision is taken on whether to keep it there permanently The police will also keep an eye on how it is used.
We hope it will be much used (responsibly of course). It certainly adds to the attractions of this small, green area at the heart of our community.
