Woodvale Verges
Created by CliveOn December 9th, mac reported a strange “gathering” which had been going on for a few nights in Halton Way. It seems that several people had noticed, including chumly who said that many of the visitors were parking on the verges of Woodvale and damaging the grass verges.
The following day, mac posted saying that he had found out what was going on, it was a very "sad but genuine reason" and asked for residents to "have some compassion".
Over the next few days many other posters joined the conversation, expressing their distress and annoyance at the damage done to the verges and speculating about the cost of repairs etc… until December 18th, when tog revealed that the reason for the gathering was the tragic death of a young child 
This is obviously a horrible tragedy and it seemed to me (and to Baz_k) that some posters had shown little sympathy or consideration… even after the facts were revealed.
And so started a – somewhat heated – discussion which has attracted much attention and controversy and – it would seem – put a few noses out of joint.
On one hand, there’s no doubt that the verges are a terrible mess, and yet – in the circumstances, how can we blame the poor parents, or heap scorn and contempt on somebody who’s just been through such a horrible experience?
How can a little thing like grass even be worth a mention in the face of this terrible event?
…and yet we live here, we care about the place and many of us are distressed by the damage and annoyed at the seeming lack of consideration!
I actually received a(n anonymous) letter yesterday about the subject, from a local resident who (obviously) reads the blog but isn’t registered (you should register… it’s free you know) 
I won’t (can’t) divulge the contents of the letter but it offered an(other) interesting opinion on this subject…
Thank you (anon) for taking the trouble to write to me about it.
Suffice to say that tempers were flared and feelings hurt, (for which I am sorry) and – given the unusually emotive circumstances – I even offered to edit or remove any of the comments in the thread.
After my "rant" Big_dave chimed in (for the 1st time in this conversation), accusing me of "lecturing him" 
and of censoring opinions which didn’t match mine! This is patently untrue (as a quick look through the site will reveal), so I gave him a strong rebuff.
BD didn’t like being told off (even by a much older man – lol) so he asked me to remove his comments in this thread, which I did (as offered), along with my reply.
He also asked me to remove all his previous comments – which I didn’t (he should have read my Terms & Conditions)!
Frankly I’m sorry to see him go, he’s (normally) a nice chap and is welcome back any time he wishes (email me for your new password if/when you calm down).
Editors Note: BD returned – under his new username “Mclovin” – almost 2 years later. He’s welcome back and I have re-assigned all of his previous posts comments to his new username.
For the record, I don’t censor articles or comments unless I have to (for legal reasons). I simply correct spellings, replace swear-words and remove spam and off-topic rubbish. I’m perfectly happy to allow others to express their opinions (and will exercise my right to do the same).
But I will not allow anybody to make unsubstantiated accusations (against me or anyone else)!
Now the discussion has gone on for so long that I have finally decided to create this post and move all of the associated comments here… Feel free to add your opinion (whatever it may be)!
FYI: I dated this post Dec’ 9th (the date of the first comment), although it was actually created on Dec’ 24th.
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on Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 at 9:00 am
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December 9th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Gathering
For the last week or so, a number of people have been congregating in the evenings in Halton Way. First, they were just standing on the driveway of the house on the right-hand bend. A few days later, a couple of gas powered patio heaters appeared and tonight a Portacabin and Tent/Awning has appeared!
Does anyone know what’s going on? It seems a bit strange.
December 9th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Hi mac,
Re: Gathering
No idea, sorry.
You’re right ‘though, it does sound strange
December 9th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
A question I was wanting to ask but didnt! It seems very strange
December 9th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I’ll add my 2p here; it does seem strange! I too would like to know whats going.
They are also parking (I think) their cars on Woodvale; that will ruin the grass and defeats the purpose of the yellow lines!
December 10th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Does anybody know what is going on with the Portacabin and Gazebo?
Is it related to all the cars parked down Woodvale?
December 10th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Hi Chumly and Hilspills,
Thanks for joiing and contributing.
Chumly: If this “gathering” is responsible for the sudden parking on the Woodvale verges we’ll have to find out who they are and try to stop them from doing that.
Hilspills: I moved your post here – looks like the question and (part of) the answer are above!
December 10th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Chumly,
I drove down Woodvale this morning and the grass verges are already ripped to shreds! Also, the numbers of cars / vans in the evenings seem to be increasing.
These cars / vans are defacing public property and they should be stopped ASAP.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I would also have thought that having a portacabin and gazebo would contravene the conditions placed on us all when we bought houses in Kingsway ie: Things allowed on drives etc.
Maybe someone who live near this property knows what is going on?
December 10th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I found out. It’s very sad but is a genuine reason. I would prefer not to post here for the sake of the family’s privacy. There has been a tragedy. Suffice it to say, I really don’t think we will have any trouble from these people and I don’t think they will be there very long. Please try to have some compassion.
December 10th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Fair enough.
December 11th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Thanks for that mac.
Sounds sad, so compassion it is…
Whoever / whatever the tragedy, they have my best wishes.
December 11th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Can anyone clarify why so many vehicles are now parking on the grass verge on Woodvale? Are there works going on that has made this necessary, or is it just a sudden trend that is going to tear up the grass on the entry into the development?
December 12th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Hi woodt1980,
I moved your comment to this post… look up for your answer
December 12th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Regardless of what is going on, these cars/vans are still tearing up the grass verges. Will they replace or repair it once they have finished whatever it is they are doing?
Not wishing to sound unsympathetic, but we still have to live here and I want it to remain looking nice.
December 13th, 2008 at 9:13 am
I agree resident. The state of the verges are disgraceful. Does anyone know what exactly is going on? I notice someone mentioned a tragedy which is so sad but it still doesnt answer the question.
December 13th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
From what mac says it sounds a little more serious than a bit of spoiled grass… But I agree that the parking on the verges does seem to be a little careless and is a worry at this time of year.
December 15th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Hi,
I live down Halton Way.
I’m really unhappy with what the vans have done to the Woodvale grass and I’m hoping something will be done about it soon because it looks awful.
December 15th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Sorry to sound unsympathetic but regardless of the tragedy the state of Woodvale is disgraceful. The grass verges are not public parking and the sheer number of vehicles parked there in the evenings at the moment is ridiculous. I can’t begin to imagine what kind of tragedy would cause this number of vehicles so cannot be compassionate of something I am unaware of. This is adversely affecting the image of the whole estate.
Cheers
Clare
December 15th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Well whatever this tragedy was the cars and vans aren’t parked there tonight, instead we have tyre marks and mud everywhere. This is disgusting. What kind of image are we going to portray to people who drive in here and that is the first thing they see? Also who is responsible for cleaning up this mess?
December 16th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I totally agree with you co374, hope it will be sorted soon.
I’m sick of people making Kingsway into a mess.
December 17th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Muddy Woodvale
Yesterday I drove past to see the state of the grassy pavement and I was horrified to see it totally ruined and well damaged by expensive Range Rovers, BMW’s, Builders Vans etc.
How would they feel if I drive over their garden or outside grassy areas?
They would be mad about it. I guess the whole of Kingsway Village is mad about it.
Then this morning I went to work and more cars and vans were parked on it. I felt like knocking on the door and demanding to have it repaired.
I guess the cost to put it right at over £3,000. It’s not small areas, it starts from the roundabout right up to small island and both sides are completely damaged.
Whatever the tragedy involved they’re not telling us the reason.
There is plenty of parking space at Tesco and walk to the house or near roundabout, NOT on the lawn… How long are we going to put up with it?
December 18th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I think the reason for all the vans parked on the verges in Woodvale was the tragic death of a young child there.
I do feel sorry for the parents as I too lost one of my sons very early on in life.
But I think it is absolutely disgraceful the way they parked on the verges with scant regard for all the damage they have done.
Now the problem is we as taxpayers will have to pick up the bill.
Question 1: Should the Police have moved them on?
Question 2 If not the Police, what about Gloucester City Council? After all we are still paying council tax on our property; perhaps if a few of us stopped paying for a few weeks they might listen to us!
Just a thought.
December 18th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Regarding the Grass verges on Woodvale, the mess left is disgusting and although there was a tragedy, it does not warrant making this kind of mess to the verges.
I believe that the residents visitor’s responsible for this should now have to pay to put it right. I am sure they could have found alternative parking but once again they do not want to walk a few steps. Also where did they get permission to put a portacabin in front of the garages?
December 19th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
If its their own land then they do not need permission for a temporary structure!
I have to say I am quite appalled. Not knowing any of the actual circumstances, i probably know as much as others on here, thus it sound like the family have had a horrific time. Im sure the last thing they are worrying about is a grass verge. Now while it may not look the best, it is not the end of the world and the grass will grow back. In time QUVL will rectify it as it is in thier interest to have it looking ok (though in my opinion they should pull it up and turn it into parking, but htats another matter). I would have thought their was more humanity on this estate when a tragic loss of life was more important that the cutting up of some grass.
December 19th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Thanks for that Baz.
I have to say that I find it incredible that anybody could be so insensitive!
When I read these last few posts I was rendered pretty-much speechless and have spent a lot of time since then trying to decide how to deal with it.
My first reaction was “Oh my God… that poor family; I hope they don’t read this!
I cannot imagine the feeling of losing a child, it’s a nightmare which I’ve lived with constantly since my first son was born and it doesn’t seem to get any easier with time…
The time of year makes things worse (if that were possible) and I can’t imagine that the state of the grass verges, or the concerns of local residents have even occurred to them and nor should it! They have more important things to think about and other children to look after.
If there are repairs required we should be thinking about how to help, not criticising them for the actions of – presumably – their friends and family who have gathered ’round to help them through this personal tragedy.
It’s not their fault that the planners made no allowances for visitor parking.
Surely we should be trying to figure out how to help, not nit-picking over who’s going to foot the bill!
I’m quite sure that – in the circumstances – the QUVL, one of the Social Housing groups or another source can be found to fund any necessary repairs and if not – we could try to come up with something constructive to help out… I’m broke but I’d happily gather enough change to buy a square foot of turf and – with a few more like-minded neighbours – we can easily sort this out once the weather is better.
For God’s sake folks let’s have a little compassion, Christmas spirit, humanity… whatever you want to call it, let’s give these poor people a break and stop with the tirade.
December 19th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Baz, Clive
Please could I point out that the first time the actual tradgedy has been identified was in the post of "Tog on the 18th Dec @ 7.03pm". Whilst a tradgedy had been mentioned previously, many people on this forum probably did not know what had happened ( me for one ) and therefore were only commenting on what they felt to be true. I for one have sincere sympathy for the family involved, it brought a tear to my eye when I heard a child has passed away.
Please do not put the residents down by saying we are all inconsiderate, unsympathetic and shallow minded by only thinking about a bit of grass that may or may not grow back.
December 19th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Resident,
Whilst you’re right about the actual nature of the tragedy, the first time that a tragedy was mentioned, was Mac on 10 December. Due to the nature of how it was phrased, it did not come across as someone had chipped a toenail. But you’re right in that it should not apply to all residents as not everybody has passed comment and not all residents comment on this blog. But even if it was not as serious as it is, I feel very uncomfortable in reading the comments back.
December 19th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I never imagined for 1 minute that it would be as simple as "a chipped toenail", however, not knowing the reason for the vehicles I, along with others was simply commenting on what I could see, as human nature usually dictates!
You are still suggesting though that anyone who has made a comment on this thread about the grass lacks compassion and sympathy, which I find extremeley offensive and hurtful.
Maybe a better phrase of words could have been used?
December 20th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Hi Resident,
I did realise that the “full story” was only disclosed after you had added your comments… (In my last comment I specifically said “When I read these last few posts”).
Like you – even after reading mac’s comment – I too made remarks about the grass and after Tog’s last comment I felt terrible about it, (as did you by the sound of it).
I also understand Baz_k’s reaction – which is why I previously said “I hope they don’t read this!” – because I believe that many people coming in and reading this thread for the first time, might react in the same way as Baz_k.
Knowing the nature of the “tragedy” makes all the previous stuff seem very cold-hearted and – with hindsight – I’m sure many of us would have reacted differently.
I hope you don’t feel offended and I can assure you that I absolutely don’t think that all residents are “inconsiderate, unsympathetic and shallow minded”.
Please read my latest post (here), I meant what I said in there (and the timing of that post was quite deliberate in relation to this thread).
————————————-
Folks,
I thought about removing some of these comments, but I don’t like to “censor” material on here if I can avoid it.
Under the circumstances however, I do feel that I should offer all those who commented on this subject the opportunity to have their comments removed or changed… (I don’t see that as censorship, simply a 2nd chance).
So ask (add a comment or call me – 722965) and I’ll remove all – or part – of your previous comment(s) by request (date and time of comments and details of changes you desire please).
Note: I will – of course – also remove any subsequent references to comments which have been deleted/changed… so that this page still makes sense.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Complaining about the grass verges does not preclude me from being sympathetic. I obviously offer my condolences to the family on this tragedy, but I am also allowed to express my feelings and opinions on this matter.
December 20th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I have been reading this thread over the last week and feel I would like to offer my opinion.
Firstly I would like to offer my condolences to the poor grieving family who has lost a child. I would like them to know my thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time. I would also like to offer my condolenses to the residents of Kingsway for the loss of their grass… I will however not be praying for you over this matter as in my opinion you should get over it! A poor family has lost their child and some of you are just moaning over grass and the cost of re-placing it. How about trying being grateful to this poor family for not parking on the roads, (which I am sure would bother you just as much) or for not parking in YOUR designated parking area.
December 20th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Hi co374,
Of course it doesn’t and yes you are
Hi lis,
I agree.
December 21st, 2008 at 2:03 pm
December 21st, 2008 at 2:03 pm edit
I think I can relate to the torment and agony that this family are going through at the moment more so than many of the people who write on this blog.
My youngest son was 18 had just got engaged but unfortunately he was killed in a horrific car accident. I was very lucky I had my parents and lots of good friends that stood by me in my time of need.
Every year as the date approaches this tragic event in my life I feel sadness which cannot be explained. Unless you have experienced this loss you can not begin to understand.
So please do not brand me as a person with no compassion.
December 21st, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Hi tog,
That’s another very sad tale and – as I said before – “I cannot imagine the feeling of losing a child, it’s a nightmare which I’ve lived with constantly since my first son was born and it doesn’t seem to get any easier with time…”
But I didn’t brand anybody as being without compassion… I asked for us all to “have a little compassion, Christmas spirit, humanity… whatever you want to call it”
To be absolutely frank, I was suprised – particularly given your experience – that you spoke about withholding Council Tax payments in the same post as you revealed the nature of the tragedy… I did feel – as I said before – that it was a little insensitive.
You have the option of having me edit any of your posts if you wish but it’s up to you… As co374 said, you have the right to express your feelings and opinions on the matter.
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Hi,
This is a very sad thing that a child has passed away; can’t bear to think how they must be feeling, but I dont see why they had to have vans, portakabin, tents etc… Like somebody said there is parking at the back of Matalan, Tesco’s etc. There was no need to ruin the grass on the Woodvale and I hope the Council or somebody will be fixing it soon becuase it does look awful.
February 7th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
3 months since incident still not fixed at all.. spoken to council about it and discovered that it is not their responsible until developer hand it over once completed. However it is resident or developer have to make it good and ensure not hazard to public due to health and safety laws…
February 8th, 2009 at 8:02 am
I would probably just qualify what you have said, in that the resident or developer have to make good IN ORDER to ensure it is not a hazard.
I can’t see it being the way it is is a risk to health and safety. it just doesn’t look the way it did!
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Oh well…. Grass will grow again and maybe weeds. Complain more then : )