Emergency Throwbag

With the increased swimming in the area, due to the hot weather and it becoming a designated swimming spot, it makes sense for there to be an Emergency Throwbag ready in case any swimmers get into trouble.

Bland

I am not sure what this house in Sudbrook Gardens looked like before its refurbishment, as only a small part of it was visible though the arched entrance, but I am sure that it is bland now with nothing to break up the painted walls and nothing interesting in the placement or appearance of the windows.

There is a hint that a porch may be added and this could improve things significantly, as it has with a few other local houses such as the former Ham Institute in New Road.

Planting off Back Road

There are several alleyways in the area bounded by Lock Road, Ham Street and Ashburnham Road and while some lead somewhere this one, off Back Road and running behind Lock Road, leads nowhere and looked rather tatty as a result. The addition of two semi-circular plant borders has cheered it up considerably.

Hidden

St Richards needs a lot of work doing to it and is still raising the money to get it done but an initial grant has paid for an external scaffolding canopy to protect the building and internal props to ensure the roof is in no danger of collapse. While that is good news for the building's future it also means that any work is currently hidden from external view.

Bright border

Walking along Maguire Drive it is impossible to miss this wonderful bright border.

Ham Close impresses

The view from Ashburnham Road of the first phase of the Ham Close regeneration scheme is impressive. Despite the higher density the buildings are far from overwhelming and the artful design breaks the blocks into smaller visual units.

Side view of Cedarwood

The side view of Cedarwood, seen from The Shires, was hidden for many years by a leylandii hedge which was removed during the refurbishment of the property and I am pleased that with the new fence in place there is a good view of the sumptuous house.

Clarendon SEND School from behind

The back of Clarendon SEND School is the easiest part to get close to which is why I have taken several pictures from here and with all the work completed it looks rather good. While the front is austere, in part thanks to the long driveway up to it, the back is enhanced by the planting along the green mesh fence.

Messy garden

I love this garden in Fanshawe Road because of its messiness. It looks natural with a pleasing mix of plants but it took careful planting to achieve.