It’s a bleak day for wildlife as Ladbrokes’ mini nature reserve is bulldozed (though not actually with a bulldozer).
Or put another way, hurray! The ugly rubbish-strewn weed patch has finally been paved over. Though perhaps not the most aesthetically beautiful patch of paving, it really isn’t the eyesore it was.
And along with the recent re-tarmacking of the forecourt, it all amounts to a very noticeable improvement. Thanks for listening and taking some action, Ladbrokes.
Well after the smart new tarmac was laid, some repairs to the wall and the slabbed section were carried out too.
Great! But here at WEEDWATCH we note that the area which functions as a natural habit for weeds, beer cans and takeaway food cartons has been protected from the developers.
The weed patch remains just as it has always been, a haven of undeveloped space in the urban wasteland of Mount Road, a remarkable tribute to Ladbrokes conservationists.
As you may have noticed, the unslightly and quite frankly dangerously uneven ground around Ladbrokes has been replaced with new tarmac, so this is real progress.
I did think the remainder of the promised work, i.e. paving over the weeds, would have also taken place by now but no. I wouldn’t like to bet but let’ s hope this has not been shelved.
Ladbrokes if you’re listening please let us know.
The weeds are cut back. Is this an environmental disaster for the creatures of our local nature reserve? No. As the vodka bottles and Stella cans show, they have not gone away. They are tougher than the urban foxes and don’t need foliage to hide in – just a ready supply of alcohol and nicotine.
Hopefully the promised progress towards a solution will materialise soon?
I recently wrote to Nick Eshelby who is the Director of Property Services for Ladbrokes. He agrees that the situation needs to be sorted out once and for all and promises take some appropriate action in the very near future. He is also interested if any local residents want to be involved (I had suggested residents might plant the area ourselves, if there was a maintenance budget available.. but all suggestions are welcome).
So that’s good news!
Ahh the beautiful vista just gets better as the grass gets higher...
Spring turns into Summer and here’s a rare chance to observe the nature reserve inhabitants at close quarters. Shh, don’t get too close or you might disturb them in their feeding.
Personally I can’t wait for the weeds to grow ‘high as a buffalo’s eye’, as the song goes.
In some of these intriguing photographs we have evidence for the diet of the creatures that inhabit Ladbrokes’ mini nature reserve. 9% Tennants Super and K Cider provide the vital energy needed for survival in this tough environment. In cold winter months I urge you to leave unwanted alcohol on your step where it will be found and consumed.
If you are a local resident, how would you describe the forecourt at the side of Ladbrokes, 415 Durnsford Road?
Why not sign the petition ?
Anyone researching Mount Road online will probably try Google’s Street View feature. Here’s the view you get of our street on Street View as you enter from Durnsford Road. Sheer quality.
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