Back in the good old days in the 1980s when councillors were not paid and they really wanted to work with their residents they employed a community liasion officer, Larry Hansen, who really wanted to improve the street scene and would walk around the Borough with members of the Civic Society at weekends. One of the areas we identified as needing improvement was the Bakers Arms where the underground toilets were in a very poor state. Even in those days public loos were not looked after and it was agreed they should be closed. Instead of just filling them in Larry suggested planting a tree in each of the loos. We agreed to the idea of a Hornbeam tree being planted as a symbol of nearby Epping Forest.
After awhile the trees were planted and the current layout came about. The tree in the Gent's thrived until the council decided to cut it down this week for no obvious reason or consultation with anyone. The tree in the Ladies never thrived and despite being replaced eventually died. Not content with leaving just paving, the then council decided on a competition to find a suitable piece of street art and the 3 pillars with a ball was installed and has enhanced the area ever since.
The current plans look bland and as far as I can tell have not involved any consultation with the local community. No doubt it is just another excuse to squander money on street improvements with little sign of improving an area - Leyton High Road being an exception.
Bakers Arms in 1972
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