16/07/2026
Another busy week for the Kirkley Pocket Park Group! 🌿
On Sunday, we continued clearing the site of the old railway path – a project we’ve only just begun. Our first priority is tackling the w**ds because, unfortunately, we all know that where w**ds are allowed to grow, fly-tipping often follows.
On Monday, we spent a couple of hours removing more w**ds from the flower beds we created at Kirkley Mill Surgery, before moving on to what has become one of our most important jobs at this time of year – watering the many plants across our portfolio of community sites.
We genuinely love what we do and are proud to be helping Put the Love Back into Kirkley, but there are days when it feels like we’re fighting a losing battle.
So, here are a few questions. I think I probably know the answers, but I still struggle to understand them.
🌱 Why do people use the planters along Kirkley High Street and the promenade as rubbish bins?
🌱 Why would someone pull one of our Cordylines out of a planter, try unsuccessfully to remove another, and then simply throw the first one into a different planter further up the road?
🌱 Why would anyone empty a flower pot containing soil, rubbish and grey slate onto one of the areas we have carefully prepared, lined and covered with pea shingle?
🌱 **And finally, why do some businesses – not just in Kirkley – take such pride in the inside of their premises but neglect the outside? I remember when it was common to see shopkeepers sweeping the pavement outside their shops every morning. Even businesses that understand the importance of first impressions and kerb appeal, such as estate agents, sometimes have w**ds growing outside their own premises.
We know that the vast majority of people appreciate what our volunteers do, and your kind words and encouragement mean a great deal to us. We just wish everyone would treat our community spaces with the same care and respect.
Rant over… until next time! 😊
