For about two weeks now the traffic lights at the top of West St Helen Street have not been working. They got taken away for some maintenance and returned a few days ago but they have not yet been turned on.

‘Uncontrolled Crossing’
says a notice.

The biggest problem has been the queues it has caused down West St Helen Street because cars can’t get out without pedestrians crossing. Even that has not been so bad this week as it is half term.

Above the non functioning lights a large banner has appeared today saying the Open Air Pool is now open. Today was the first day it was warm enough to tempt many half termers out to use it.

Out on our evening walk we were passing this paved area off Stratton Way when I saw something familiar.

It was a red seat – last seen almost four years ago on the Ock Valley walk. It got painted black, and then got damaged and taken away. It is now back and repaired and without the black paint.