My indignation was high when I found my usual path through Latimer Square fenced off yesterday morning. The north end of the square was populated with tents, containers, mysterious structures, and three empty telephone boxes.
Latimer Square Thursday morning
The scene was similar in the afternoon, except there were more people working there. They were all too far inside the fence for me to be able to ask them what’s going on.
The same scene Thursday afternoon
It appeared to be the preparation for some event.
Mysterious platforms
A colleague suggested they might be getting ready for the Democracy Rally planned to start here on Saturday afternoon, but I thought that unlikely.
It must cost thousands to have all this stuff brought to the square. Why can’t they spend a tiny amount more to have a sign that says: “Latimer Square will be closed until “X”, for “X”? It just adds to our sense of powerlessness when authorities close off areas without explaining why.
Later that evening I found the reason – the Telecom Xmas tree is to be erected in Latimer Square, and the phone boxes will have lines for people to call Santa. I wonder why they’ve moved this from Hagley Park. Do you know?
With Carols by Candlelight planned for the square on Xmas Eve I wonder how they will manage the traffic and thousands of people.
“There’ll be a giant Christmas tree
with fun for all the family.”
Dear walker….what a good piece of investigation went on here with pictures and all. christmas is acoming and maybe they will have a tree in each place……
Dear Ruth
Thanks for finding out – we wondered too as we drove past. I’m sure its a nice thing but communication would be good and part of a worrying trend of privatisation of public spaces which cuts out any form of consultation with ordinary people. Cera tower and Council tower decide for us.
Marion, you are so right – the feeling of powerlessness just grows.
Carol, I’m confident there will be only one tree.
This afternoon as I went past, the tall framework for the tree was up, and there was an open gate in the fence, but I didn’t bother trying to go in now that I know what’s happening.