Results tagged “Birmingham City Counci” from Birmingham Mail - Lighter Footprints

I checked the date when I heard about the City Council's proposal to illuminate Spaghetti Junction, so that it can be seen from outer space - but it was not an April Fool, the news was reported on April 23rd

"... planning chiefs want to turn the entire 1970s structure into a glowing beacon of Birmingham's regeneration...

And while it might conceivably provide comfort for some homesick Brummie astronaut of the future, questions were being asked about exactly what the point was.

Clive Dutton, director of planning at Birmingham City Council, insisted it would bring huge benefits. 'We're going to illuminate Spaghetti Junction - you'll be able to see it from space! It is an extraordinary structure, one that is known around the country, but we feel as though it can have a massive impact around the world. We want to get Birmingham on the map and this scheme will be potentially lighting up the whole city.'"

When I worked for Birmingham City Council we strived to work as "one organisation". Our aim was to maximise the effectiveness of our work through mutual support throughout the organisation.

Things have changed: this proposal would produce about four times as much CO2 as Birmingham's Environmental Partnership saved across the city in all of its projects in 2008.

If this illumination is to be seen from outer space, the light pollution for Birmingham residents would be overwhelming. There are about a million people in Birmingham who would be prevented from seeing the stars by this massive lighting scheme. How many people are there on the moon wanting to see Spaghetti Junction?

The cost of this proposal has not been made public, but Councillor Summerfield suggests that the Lottery Fund might help. I question if this would be the right use of any funds, much less those of the Lottery directed at "good causes". What do you think?

Please send your comments on this proposal to
Councillor Summerfield - Neville.Summerfield@birmingham.gov.uk - and to
Clive Dutton - Clive.Dutton@birmingham.gov.uk