Chasing Pavements

Once upon a time there was a good pavement along the Bath Road near the junction with Courthouse Road. Children used it on their way to school, and toddlers whizzed along it on balance bikes on their way to the park and library. Pedestrians didn't give it much thought, but it served them well and kept them safe.

...But one day the neighbouring evil hedge became greedy. It sent out brambles and ivy, and when their advances went unchallenged, it grew bold. It wasn't long before whole bushes and trees were making themselves at home in pedestrian territory. Families were pushed onto the grass verge and closer to the busy Bath Road on their daily walks and rides, the verge became slippery and unsafe for those less steady on their feet, and the good pavement was almost forgotten.

Local parent Lydia appealed to the rulers of the land to save the pavement, but her cries went unheard. One day she said enough is enough! She wanted to be able to walk her children safely to school. She believed in the benefits for their health and the environment and she wasn't about to let the evil hedge force her into the road. No, the time had come to rise up, to gather garden tools, and to reclaim what rightly belonged to the pedestrians!

She inspired local residents and councillors to join her and the battle began. The going was tough, but steadily they began to reclaim territory. A couple of weeks in, Lydia reached out to GoodGym for reinforcements and on this Monday morning Tessa and Amy joined the fight. Like many GoodGym tasks, it was physically hard work, but also ridiculously satsifying. Great swathes of hedge fell to the ground, 4 tonne-sized bags were filled with cuttings and ferried off by residents, and large chunks of the good pavement were uncovered. While they worked, passing pedestrians thanked them for their efforts.

And they all lived happily ever after? Well not quite yet! There is still more work to be done. Sheila and Rekha have enlisted to help tomorrow and you can sign up to join them here. Amy and Tessa will also return next Monday and you can sign up here for that session. Can't wait!