Thursday, 24 February 2011
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
188 Marsh Street clean up
Big thank you to Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Wardens for helping to clear rubbish that has accumulated in the rear of 188 Marsh Street, the derelict property owned by Network Rail. They were assisted by volunteers from the Green Heart Den who also supplied tools and bags.
Cheers all, very much appreciated.
Cheers all, very much appreciated.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Minor works to brick work on Greengate bridge nears completion
Would like to thank AMCO Amalgamated Construction who were commissioned by Network Rail to conduct minor works to the brickwork on Greengate Street bridge structure, facing the Green Heart Den. This work is nearing completion, the contractors will be conducting similar minor works to the north side of Greengate bridge structure in the near future.
Our Project Coordinator thought it was important to note that this work has been assisted by the fact that Marsh Street Arches and Garden Comminuty Interest Company provided for the main access gates onto this area during the construction of the Green Heart Den and the installation of the secure gated access to arch D. Prior to this there was no access whatsoever, the area was land locked, and it would have been difficult in the extreme for this work to be conducted as vehicles and equipment would have needed to be craned onto the site. The contractors also took advantage of the secure gates access the CIC installed on arch D as they stored their large equipment in the arch rather than transport to the site each day.
Our Project Coordinator thought it was important to note that this work has been assisted by the fact that Marsh Street Arches and Garden Comminuty Interest Company provided for the main access gates onto this area during the construction of the Green Heart Den and the installation of the secure gated access to arch D. Prior to this there was no access whatsoever, the area was land locked, and it would have been difficult in the extreme for this work to be conducted as vehicles and equipment would have needed to be craned onto the site. The contractors also took advantage of the secure gates access the CIC installed on arch D as they stored their large equipment in the arch rather than transport to the site each day.
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Proposed gates access to arches E and F
Our Project Coordinator is hopeful that Network Rail Network Rail will be forthcoming with permission, if indeed we need permission, to replace their unsightly fencing with a secure gated entrance to aches E and F (as we have to arch D) while we are in consultation in regard to agreeing an appropriate license for the use the arches.
We belive that our project has done an excellent job so far in tidying up what was once an eyesore and understand that the addition of a secure gates access to these arches would; improve the visible appearance of the arches, provide security for the arches, allow us to clear debris/litter that regularly blows into the arches and enable us to work with organisations such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust in monitoring the pipistrelle bats that roost in the arches.
It is worth noting that Network Rail had no access of any kind to this area before the Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC completed construction of the Green Heart Den and provided for the installation of a secure gates access to arch D. That is with the exception of needing to use a large set of ladders to climb over the 2.5 metre solid brick wall that used to be there.
Currently the CIC has a budget for the manufacture and installation for this work so it would not cost Network Rail anything.
Network Rail would still have access to their arches if we installed a secured gated access in the same way as we have been working closely with AMCO contractors who have been commissioned by Network Rail to conduct minor works to loose brickwork on Greengate bridge structure....we were more than happy to supply them with a set of spare keys for both arch D and the Green Heart Den itself.
If you or anyone within your network knows anyone at Network Rail who could possibly influence a decision in giving permission, if indeed they need permission, to this worthy project to install a secured gated access, at their own cost, to these derelict, uncared for, unused railway arches could you please pass this information on to them. Thank you.
If you can help or would like additional information our Project Coordinator, Graham Bromley can be contacted on: 07919 919 989 or by email to greenheartden@aol.com
Additional picturues can be viewed on our Flickr photo gallery here.
We belive that our project has done an excellent job so far in tidying up what was once an eyesore and understand that the addition of a secure gates access to these arches would; improve the visible appearance of the arches, provide security for the arches, allow us to clear debris/litter that regularly blows into the arches and enable us to work with organisations such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust in monitoring the pipistrelle bats that roost in the arches.
It is worth noting that Network Rail had no access of any kind to this area before the Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC completed construction of the Green Heart Den and provided for the installation of a secure gates access to arch D. That is with the exception of needing to use a large set of ladders to climb over the 2.5 metre solid brick wall that used to be there.
Currently the CIC has a budget for the manufacture and installation for this work so it would not cost Network Rail anything.
Network Rail would still have access to their arches if we installed a secured gated access in the same way as we have been working closely with AMCO contractors who have been commissioned by Network Rail to conduct minor works to loose brickwork on Greengate bridge structure....we were more than happy to supply them with a set of spare keys for both arch D and the Green Heart Den itself.
If you or anyone within your network knows anyone at Network Rail who could possibly influence a decision in giving permission, if indeed they need permission, to this worthy project to install a secured gated access, at their own cost, to these derelict, uncared for, unused railway arches could you please pass this information on to them. Thank you.
If you can help or would like additional information our Project Coordinator, Graham Bromley can be contacted on: 07919 919 989 or by email to greenheartden@aol.com
Additional picturues can be viewed on our Flickr photo gallery here.
Building Community, our final film
Hub TV film editor and camera operator Carl Thompson returns to take footage for the final film of the Green Heart Den for the Building Community website. Cheers Carl.
Building Community, are following our progress over the next 12 months in regard to the asset transfer of the north plot. Their website is an online showcase featuring real-time practice from partnerships comprising councils and communities that are in the process of transferring land or buildings into community asset ownership. The films are made in conjunction with the Asset Transfer Unit which is led and managed by the Development Trust Association.
Building Community, are following our progress over the next 12 months in regard to the asset transfer of the north plot. Their website is an online showcase featuring real-time practice from partnerships comprising councils and communities that are in the process of transferring land or buildings into community asset ownership. The films are made in conjunction with the Asset Transfer Unit which is led and managed by the Development Trust Association.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Cumbria County Councillor visit
During their visit to Barrow to look at various local health projects, Barrow Borough Council Health Improvement Officer Mike Otto arranged a short visit to the Green Heart Den for Cumbria County Councillors and officers. The Councillors and officers were very much interested in what has been achieved so far and the plans for the north plot community grow your own scheme.
Routine maintenance - Repairs to the golden gravel
A lovely sunny morning. The perfect time to conduct some routine, scheduled maintenance to the golden gravel areas.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
AMCO contractors continue with the minor works to brickwork facing the Green Heart Den
Contractors from AMCO Amalgamated Construction continue with the minor works to the brickwork on Greengate Street bridge structure facing the Green Heart Den.
There are still concerns with water seeping through the brickwork as despite conserted efforts no-one has been able to confirm exactly where the water is coming, what is causing the seepage or who would be responsible for resolving the issue.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Finishing touches to the arbour planting boxes
Before the edging is fitted
After the edging is fitted
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Bulbs beginning to flower on the Green Heart Den
Iris around the water feature.
Some of our Snowdrops.
Some of our Snowdrops.
Minor works to repair brickwork
AMCO Rail contractors have returned to complete minor works to the brickwork on the Greengate Street bridge structure facing the Green Heart Den..
Monday, 7 February 2011
Our most recent video for Building Community
In the most recent video produced by Hub TV for Building Community our Project Coordinator,Graham Bromley talks to us about the various partners the organisation is involved with, and introduces us to Val Holden from Barrow County Council.
About Building Community
Building Community is an online showcase featuring real-time practice from partnerships comprising councils and communities that are in the process of transferring land or buildings into community asset ownership. The Building Community films are made in conjunction with the Asset Transfer Unit.
About Building Community
Building Community is an online showcase featuring real-time practice from partnerships comprising councils and communities that are in the process of transferring land or buildings into community asset ownership. The Building Community films are made in conjunction with the Asset Transfer Unit.
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Cumbria Wildlife Trust: Plants need the cold by Sarah J. Dodd
Cumbria Wildlife Trust: Plants need the cold by Sarah J. Dodd: "This winter has been exceptionally cold in Cumbria, with long stretches of time where even the daytime temperature has not climbed above fre..."
Thursday, 3 February 2011
Community grow your own scheme final design drop in workshop session
We would like to offer you the opportunity to have a say and possibly influence the final design for the north plot community grow your own scheme during a drop in style session which is to be held between:
1pm - 3pm, Thursday 10th February at the Neighbourhood Management Office, 242/244 Dalton Road.
It is hoped that the drop in session will provide those living and working in the area a chance to review the initial scheme design, meet and discuss details of the scheme with both members of the Marsh Street Arches and Garden Community Interest Company Management Committee and Groundwork landscape architect John Nuttall. John, in consultation with the Community Interest Company, produced the scheme drawing.
The drop in session will also be an opportunity for service providers to highlight any specific requirements that you think could be of benefit to users of your services.
For example; if you are a service provider - are there any specific requirements that, in your experience, could potentially be of benefit to your clients/service users. Specifications such as say; appropriate height/shape for raised planters, widths and materials for pathways etc.
Your comments/suggestions would be taken into consideration in the final design specifications for the scheme.
Once specifications have been agreed we will be in a better position to cost the design and decide what we can do, based on funding received, and what we need to leave until later when we have secured additional funding. Dependant on the final costs and confirmation of funding streams, it may be that the completed project will need to be delivered in stages.
Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided.
We hope you can attend and have a say in the final design of the scheme.
1pm - 3pm, Thursday 10th February at the Neighbourhood Management Office, 242/244 Dalton Road.
It is hoped that the drop in session will provide those living and working in the area a chance to review the initial scheme design, meet and discuss details of the scheme with both members of the Marsh Street Arches and Garden Community Interest Company Management Committee and Groundwork landscape architect John Nuttall. John, in consultation with the Community Interest Company, produced the scheme drawing.
The drop in session will also be an opportunity for service providers to highlight any specific requirements that you think could be of benefit to users of your services.
For example; if you are a service provider - are there any specific requirements that, in your experience, could potentially be of benefit to your clients/service users. Specifications such as say; appropriate height/shape for raised planters, widths and materials for pathways etc.
Your comments/suggestions would be taken into consideration in the final design specifications for the scheme.
Once specifications have been agreed we will be in a better position to cost the design and decide what we can do, based on funding received, and what we need to leave until later when we have secured additional funding. Dependant on the final costs and confirmation of funding streams, it may be that the completed project will need to be delivered in stages.
Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided.
We hope you can attend and have a say in the final design of the scheme.
