Life under the Stairs

By Local Resident, Jane Stevenson I joined a small band of stalwart folk last week. We met in the village, were issued with bright red hi-viz tunics, gloves, plastic bags and long grabbers and dispatched to far flung outposts of the community to litter pick.

I’ve seen many local people doing this over the recent months. Perhaps lockdown prompted us to take a fresh look at our neighbourhoods? Not a bad idea, whatever the reasons.

Not being particularly fond of exercising, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed myself. Not only did I have a long walk around the streets where I live, I got to talk to people in their gardens, unloading shopping from cars and those just out and about enjoying the warm weather. Collectively, our group managed to collect over 50 bags of rubbish too. of this road is bounded by fields for much of its length, and it was here the litter damage was most prevalent. Apart from the expected cans and bottles, there was a plethora of sandwich bags and disposable coffee cups from several of the well-known chains. I began to wonder if people fully understood the meaning of disposable! Obviously, there is some type of confusion within the English language.

I also checked the smaller roads in the area: they were relatively litter free. We are a tidy lot in Hawley!

As I worked my way further up the road I came across a collection of the small gas cylinders. Incorrectly regarded as a ‘safe’ high by many younger folk, it is worth remembering that too much nitrous oxide can result in unconsciousness and/or suffocation. Probably not the best way to end an evening with mates!

This got me thinking about another area which I helped clear recently. It’s a secluded spot, no traffic and can be inaccessible in very bad weather. Years ago, my kids used to play there, build camps, ride their bikes and generally have a good time. My volunteer colleagues and I collected five bags of rubbish this time including the aforementioned cylinders, vaping material and other smoking debris, the inevitable bottles and cans and old clothing. We piled up the larger items including old mattresses, a burnt aluminium ladder and a traffic warning sign and arranged for the council to collect.

This area is both mysterious and promising. This area of woodland is relatively unused by most of the inhabitants. Dog walkers may occasionally venture into its leafy space, but most of the time it just exists!

I do have some sympathy with the younger community; while not condoning the use of any substance which lessens self-control, there is little else available in the village. No green spaces, an infrequent bus service to the town and no shops. This pattern is repeated across the outlying communities of Dartford. It is little wonder kids here deviate towards a quiet, shady area for a drink and smoke.

Times have changed. Youth clubs don’t exist anymore. Sport and uniformed groups aren’t for everyone.

Many groups are town centric relying on lifts from parents and carers to attend.

It doesn’t have to be this way. This woodland is an ideal place for community use. There is space to explore, paths to traverse, a natural habitat to wonder about. It is large enough to hold some benches and tables, somewhere families can enjoy a couple of hours outdoors. It needs so little in the way of intervention. There is no through traffic and it is not close to housing. Access by road isn’t possible.

It is a gift in the making for this village. It will require some funding, some tidying up and some local management. Nothing that will break the bank. In return we would enjoy the benefits of a woodland where all could enjoy the beauty of nature. Perhaps somewhere the local nurseries and preschools could use as a learning experience. For older residents, what could be more relaxing than taking a book and a drink for a quiet read? If lockdown has highlighted anything, it is the need to make more of our surroundings, provide more local amenities and offer something for all.

There are many such areas dotted around the borough. Maybe we should take charge and responsibility for them and reclaim these spaces for all of us.

Have a good month all.

Steve Cook postcard final:Layout 1 27/1/14 12:15 Page 1

STEVE COOK

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