Blacon is divided into north and south very neatly by a railway cutting that runs right through the middle of the estate. The railway is now long gone but has been replaced, like many others, with a tarmacked surface and added to the UK's network of cycleways.
The only way from one half of Blacon to the other is over the old railway bridge. This bridge has been the notorious hangout and gathering place for local youths. One of the last places not to be surveyed by a security camera linked to the police. Typically the site was overgrown with trees and shrubs and littered with alcho-pop bottles and cigarette packes.
Then, a couple of years ago, a local man (from Saughall) called Stephen Perry had a vision for making this place of division and hopelessness into an inspiring, aesthetically pleasing, 'clean and green', unifying 'Heart of Blacon'. Taking this dark and abused area and making it light and attractive. and do you know what? He's pretty well gone and done it!
I'm sure I will add more photo's and comments on this subject but this is the first and I include a photo of one of the natural wood carvings down on the embankment; a badger standing on his hind legs. There are lots of them just waiting to be spotted on the old railway sidings: rabbits, squirrels, owls, falcons, foxes... delightful.
Now when people walk or cycle through Blacon they see creativity and life instead of crap and despair. And I for one appreciate it.
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