Leicester Civic Society

Not game over - force of public opinion is still a very important factor and we will be staging a rally (provisional date is 12th September) and also objecting to the demolition which will require planning permission.

Please could you confirm one way or another as to what time and date the protest is happening as there seems to be some confusion as there has been mass emails sent out saying it is taking place on saturday 12-8-09 at 12.30 however we have now been told that this may not be the case after all.I feel this will now put people off and people will feel... Read more messed around and lose interest as it has been difficult enough to build up such a large group of supporters and should people lose interest through lack of communication and correct details of the venue it would now deal a deverstating blow to the chance of saving what so many of us desperatly are trying to save.Can you also provide more details about the planning laws because Leicester City Council have made claims that they do not need any planning permission to demolish the bridge,many thanks.

Our chairman says that although the city council will have submitted information about the conservation areas the rating is ultimately English Heritage's. Seems a bit vague doesn't it? Did EH actually inspect?

One must wonder how many of Leicester's transient community (the student attending Leicester University) know of and appreciate the history of Leicester. Many of DeMontfort's facilities and student residences lie within a stone's throw of some of the city's most notable sites - A Roman Fort and Baths, Saxon and Norman Churches, numerous Elizabethan... Read more buildings and countless Georgian and Victorian buildings. Maybe part of their orientation should be to enlighten the younger generations especially those coming from other communities around Britain and the world.
I don't intend this as a criticism of the students themselves but of the system, the university and the community as a whole who must shoulder this responsibility. There appears an appalling lack of knowledge and appreciation of where we have come from and without such a firm foundation how can we make the right decisions of where we are going. And yes, this last comment is aimed at our elected officials!

from the 'Save the Pump and tap and bowstring bridge facebook page -
ubject: Further Update:

The Council will first sell the land to DMU for £1 for signing purposes. Then they will charge DMU £455,000 for the land less £250,000 approx for demolition. Leases on the Arches to expire in Sept '09, The swimming pool's construction begins 2011. The ... Read moredemolition of the bridge AND arches to be completed by January 2010, the PUMP AND TAP to be destroyed by summer 2010!!!!!! Everyone buy the Mercury tomorrow, have a read and voice your opinions!