Aller Parade on the Oldmixon in Weston-super-Mare recently received a new face lift, with work completed in May 2010. The scheme was funded by the South Ward Neighbourhood Management Partnership and the design was developed after extensive consultation with local residents and traders in the area. These improvements included new benches, planting and trees for the parade. New lighting and tarmac surface, with decorative paving outside the shops themselves and the car park area had the drainage repaired and was resurfaced. The new bespoke made notice board was made by Somerset Wood Recycling.
The piece of artwork is part of the wider South Ward Neighbourhood Management Partnership Arts Strategy and was made by sculptor and artist Andy Hazell. The ‘Golden Dandelion’ is 4m high and has small steel aeroplanes all around it. The aeroplanes on the dandelion represent the seeds, highlighting the dispersal of planes from the Weston air field nearby in WW2.
The shopping parade will also have a new addition in October when another artist will visit Oldmixon School to complete a mosaic with the children. The 2.5m diameter mosaic will be designed and made by the children and become a centre piece for the Parade, laid into the central grass triangle in front of the shops.
A celebration of the work was held on 30th June for local residents and traders. People could meet artist Andy Hazell and enjoy a specially made cake for the occasion. Below are some quotes we received from people and their thoughts on the new improvements.
"Much improvement of the area. Loving the benches, very comfortable. Dandelion looks great. A really nice place for the community to come."
"The parade looks so much nicer. It is a nice place to sit and people watch."
"The area looks much cleaner and with the seats and plants etc it is a nice place to sit and enjoy a short break."