Eastern Gateway. Back Caton Road, Parliament Street and Great John Street.

It is generally accepted that most people coming to the city from other areas do so by way of the route from junction 34 on the M6 to the city centre. It is unfortunate that this gateway contains so much dereliction. Caton Road although uninspiring, apart perhaps from the Standfast clock tower, is at least fairly tidy. It is on Back Caton Road where the worst impression of the city can be formed. On this stretch of road traffic moves slowly and people have the opportunity to observe the dereliction at close quarters.

This area of land close to the junction of Bulk Road and Back Caton Road is quietly going back to nature. There appears to be a pond in the middle of the site and reeds are becoming established. If this remains unsold and undeveloped could this area be developed as an urban wetland?

The rear of the Indian restaurant which fronts Parliament Street. The front of this building is in good condition but the rear shows considerable neglect. This run down area is clearly visible from Back Caton Road. The ubiquitous buddlias are taking control and will certainly have caused some damage to the fabric of the building. The long low roof lower in the picture is part of the historic rope walk, which operated until the 1950s.

The site fencing on the failed LPN development site is bent and in poor condition and gives a very negative impression of the city. The site has been offered for sale by the receivers for some years without any serious interest.

Members on the walk discussed methods of screening the site in a way which would promote a more positive image. This could take the form of some imaginative planting of evergreens, which could be later removed should the site ever be developed. Possibly some artwork on a more

attractive form of fencing may be appropriate.

This galvanised sheeting has recently been installed on the security fencing adjacent to the laundry buildings on Back Caton Road. Whilst currently fairly tidy, it is felt that this does not give a good impression. Galvanised sheets tend to corrode round the edges and where they have been cut.

Some buddlias are becoming established in the blind arcading between the Bridge houses. This can, if left to grow cause considerable damage.

Railings in front of the Bridge Houses are bent and of a very uninspiring design. Surely the classical elegance of the houses is being let down by these and the pedestrian barriers on the other side of the road. A more sensitive design for both sets of railings would greatly enhance the appearance of this area.

Parliament Street has long stretches of dereliction. There is some demolition in progress to the rear of these buildings, but nothing appears to be planned for the facades.

It is felt that there may be some attractive stonework behind the 1970s cladding.

Demolition taking place on land between Parliament Street and Back Caton Road.

The long slate roof at the rear of photograph is part of the rope walk, behind which is one of the laundry buildings.

This shop on Parliament Street has been boarded up for many years.

Weeds on this traffic island close to Sainsbury’s give a poor impression.

This empty shop in Stonewell is very prominent and can be well observed by slow moving traffic. Can the owners be persuaded to do some external cosmetic work until it is redeveloped?

Rubbish piled outside the Reform Club at the junction of Moor Land and Great John Street is unsightly, is highly visible to passing traffic and can attract vermin. We observed similar piles of domestic rubbish at several locations on the walk.

Neglect is not restricted to older buildings. Weeds are growing on the canopy at the rear of Boots Chemist on Great John Street and there is some peeling paint.

There is considerable weed growth around street furniture in the Great John Street area. Broken and uneven paving stones, especially on the eastern side of the street are unsightly and are a trip hazard.

7 Great John Street has a broken pane in the attractive Georgian front door and in a cellar window. The signage and general paintwork is fading and the building has an air of neglect. There are weeds around the railings to the front door steps.

The pillar to the left of this peeling door in Stonewell does not look particularly sound !

The former Crown Hotel is becoming an eyesore as is the Tramway hotel at the opposite end of St Leonardgate.

Roger, bravely hacking his way through the Dalton Square Jungle!

My intention in arranging this walk was not to depress people, but to stimulate them to think of ways to improve some of these eyesores. There may be low cost options involving artwork, planting and cosmetic work to derelict and unoccupied buildings. There may be opportunities for community

activity and for volunteer work. Could, for instance, offenders serving community service orders pull up the weeds in our streets? There may be opportunities for community orchards on some of the derelict land.

By whatever means, I feel that the eastern approach to the city needs to be visually improved as a matter of urgency, if we do not do this, visitors will continue to take away an impression of a failing city, lacking in investment and imagination. We know that this is not really the Lancaster we know, but we are biased, but wasn’t it Dorothy Parker who said “Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes right to the bone” ?