Places features

Having suffered a serious nervous breakdown fourteen months ago I really could have done with a place to go that was pleasant, peaceful and would not be bothered by bad behaviour (you know what I mean).

I thought that's it! I am going to do something about this land, why not make it into a nature reserve/botanical gardens and have different themed gardens?

All this could be achieved by volunteers from Gloucestershire's old and young folk...we could make this an attraction Gloucestershire could be proud of.

All this could be paid for by corporate sponsorship, lottery grants and hard work by all taking part.

The 'railway triangle' (Photo: Stephen Langdon)

City Farm

Then I had another idea - move the City Farm in Tredworth to the Gloucester triangle at its present site.

The farm has become an eyesore instead of something to be proud of but at this new site its animals would be safe because it is surrounded by railway.

The land which would be sold off when the farm is moved could help us get started.

Also on this site we could have an aquarium, large bird aviary, tropical plant/bird aviary, miniature railway and so much more, large restaurant selling all local foods Indian/Jamaican/English/Chinese etc.

We would have visits from various establishments bringing with them different animals to show local children on site hence education.

There will be separate allotments for growing vegetables for use in our restaurant. This will be done by hopefully experienced gardeners with young people on hand to learn.

What's all this for?

Well, in a nutshell, I will explain. There are children in our county that have never seen a castle or a zoo or have never been to the seaside.

I know this is fact - I was talking to a young lad in Gloucester who I stopped at random. He has never seen anything outside of Gloucester and he was 14 years old (how sad is that).

All profits from entrance fees and monies raised from all other sales will send these young and old on educational trips.

All people working voluntarily will have free passes to enter park.

I forgot something - we will grow our own plants and surplus will be sold off.

The 'railway triangle' (Photo: Stephen Langdon)

Something to do

Also, I would like to incorporate a small section of land for train enthusiasts so they can take photos as they contribute to the upkeep of this adventure.

We have got to get Gloucester on the map for something other than the Cathedral and the nothing-to-do Gloucester Docks.

When the council sees how this project could become successful they might realise what the people of GLOUCESTERSHIRE really want is SOMETHING TO DO that is on our own doorstep and will not cost a fortune in petrol to get there.

The way of entering will be to walk or park and ride from former cattle market site, all goods could enter from Armscroft Way short term.

When we have spare time we will then tidy up the paths around that area which are overgrown.

Please support me, at the moment I am on my own. Anybody that could help me please contact BBC Radio Gloucestershire or fill in the short form below.

Thank you
Stephen Langdon

This article is an external contribution and expresses a personal opinion, not necessarily the views of the BBC.

Mike in Longlevens
Love the ideas put forward how about an ice rink and plant trees give the place a scandinavian feel and the trees would help soak up the pollution at the site. Like Melina Lewis I'd love to help, give her my email and I'm sure we could get the seeds of something started.

Kay Powell in Gloucester
We don't need more land for allotments; we just need the current land, such as the Saintbridge Allotments, to be cleared of scrub and brought back into use. Have you got any idea of the cost of the proposals for the Railway Triangle? Network Rail and other owners would be looking to achieve about one million pounds per acre. That is the reason that a new railway station was ruled out some time ago - cost of land acquisition. And, yes, the land is heavily contaminated. It is really only suitable as building land. Also, why would anyone want to move the City Farm from its current location in Tredworth? It is not an eyesore, and it is located in an area where children often have no connection with the natural environment. To sum up, the Railway Triangle is prime development land, so will only become available for use in a scheme that has huge amounts of investment money behind it. Anything else is just a pipe-dream.

Tim in Glaws
"I would not eat enything that came from that land, the cost of decontamination alone would cost? Who would pay for that, I don't think railtrack would! A better use would be a road rail terminal to get freight back onto the rails. It has good road links to the motorways etc (Northbound anyway). Football? Who sold the ground at Horton Road? Athletics - No Thanks"

Vaughan in Longlevens
"Well Gloucester City AFC need a football ground, so throw that in to the mix & you have my support."

Phil Ellaway
"Stephen the cricket hasn't been played at Wingets for years; it's at Kings School.
Your idea though is excellent.
LT = Bristol used to be in the County."

Melina Lewis
"I think this is a superb idea and would provide a haven of calm - despite the trains - and it would be lovely to have gardens from different cultures, a mini chelsea flower show. I would certainly help get it up and running and the idea of restaurants and a miniature railway is great - adults and children alike would have lots of things to do. Rock on Stevie!"

Stephen Langdon
"May I comment on the railway station. The facts are this - why most trains do not stop at Gloucester is because it will put on extra journey times to collect passengers from Gloucester (absolutely nonsense). I was on Gloucester station yesterday all the people I asked did not even know what time the train got to its destination. The trains they use today can be driven from both ends of the train so the time the passengers have got on the driver would be ready waiting to leave. It's another ploy to make money and to make life more difficult than it needs to be."

Harry in Gloucester
"The railway triangle will never be a peaceful outdoor space, because of the trains on all three sides making noise. I support the idea to rebuild a train station on the main line (who knows why they closed Eastgate and not central). Easier commuting = less stress and lets face it, its not like there is a shortage of open, beautiful green space in the county."

J Clutterbuck in Ross on Wye
"Well done Stephen, how refreshing that a young man has the pride in his home town to want to see it improved. Go for it, and get as many young people as you can on your team, I hope your vision comes to be."

Jesson in Gloucester
"This sounds fantastic, and would only take up part of the triangle, maybe the entire section south of Metz way; I would also like to see a railway station here on the north side, with an on-site bus station to have good transport links here and some museums and bars etc. Also a business district, centrally located for once. But your idea is an excellent idea for a major attraction for some of the site, possibly as part of a larger city park so people don't have to use the druggie hangout they call Gloucester Park."

Stephen Langdon
"A response to L.T = The cricket has already got a home – it’s called Wingate Club in Tuffley Avenue. One side of the triangle would be suitable as you state but the other side, do we really want more concrete?"

LT in Gloucester
"I love this idea and maybe one side of the triangle could be used for precisely this purpose. But why not build a stadium and bring Gloucestershire County Cricket club to play in the city that shares its name, rather than all the way own in Bristol, which is not even in Gloucestershire? The stadium need not be as big as Kingsholm, but then could also be used to attract concerts, outdoor events and many other activities."

Mr Gardener in Cheltenham
"As a 32 year old man. I think this is a good idea. It will tidy up the area and give jobs to youth. And make them feel worthwhile rather then wandering round stabbing people. Pitville Park attracts many people during the summer and I believe this would help Gloucester."

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