Despair for Keynsham by Iris Lerpiniere
By JoannaPazucha | Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 15:30
In the 1960s when Temple Street was being razed to the ground the residents of Dapps Hill expressed their concern that their community was at risk to Miss Mary Fairclough, founder member of Keynsham Civic Society. She approached HMGovernment and the area was designated as a Conservation Area.
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Keynsham High Street
In the 1990s when an unsuitable business was proposed near to St John's Church the current chairman asked HM Government with B&NES support that the area around the church should be a Conservation Area. English Heritage, which had become the relevant authority, enthusiastically designated, part of Station Road, part of Bristol Road, High Street, Temple Street, Bath Hill, part of Wellsway and the entire Memorial and Chew Valley Park and so linking to the original area.
The guiding principle of Conservation Areas is that the area can be improved in keeping with their historic and aesthetic status.
Now in 2012 one sees Station Road with new plastic shop fronts, the High Street with graffiti at many levels, unpainted walls, peeling paint, weeds, litter and vomit in the last forecourt, filthy entrance (chemist), dirty windows sills, unnecessary windows filled with advertisements and empty shops that are testament to too high rents. And now the plan to destroy the front of 39, High Street. People who know and love living in Keynsham despair.
IRIS LERPINIERE Old Vicarage Green Keynsham
Comments
I agree Iris.
You mention Dapps Hill. Have you seen the state of Dapps Hill Bridge lately?
I contacted Banes Highways dept. some ten years ago voicing my concerns about the crumbling masonry between the arches, and the saplings growing in the stonework. They did a cosmetic repair a couple of years later after I notified English Heritage of the problem.
Since then the bridge has deteriorated into a worse state than before. I have sent another letter to Banes with some photos and I am waiting their reply.
What alarms me more than anything is the apathy there seems to be regarding the maintenance of historic structures such as this, which is classed as a Grade II listed monument. It dates from the 17th century, possibly earlier.
A conservation area is made for the preservation of our heritage for future generations and that cannot be achieved without upkeep.
By ph7 at 23:24 on 27/02/12
ReportYou're right, Iris. The Station Road end of the High Street is looking very tatty. It is a real shame as there are some lovely historic buildings there but it's hard to appreciate them behind the mucky stone and grimy windows. We should have more civic pride in Keynsham.
By Greengaia at 14:37 on 27/02/12
ReportHere here!
By space412 at 18:19 on 22/02/12
Report