Sharing the streets in Hanover

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New look for Muesli Mountain’s streets

Children’s voices replaced the growl of cars in Grove Street on Sunday 16 September when the road was closed to traffic for the afternoon in an event organised by Hanover Action for Sustainable Living. Residents explored ways in which Muesli Mountain’s narrow and crowded streets could be freed from car domination and opened up as community spaces for play, children’s parties, bike storage, picnics, bike racks and other community uses.

Grove of home made trees

Adults and kids created a grove in the street from home made trees, which ranged in size from a beautiful tile mosaic to a cardboard mini-forest across the Albion Hill end of the street. Mayor Bill Randall chose these two as the best of a large number of trees, most of them fashioned from recycled materials. Their young creators won scooters and all the other entrants took away cycle lights or pedometers. For an afternoon the trees showed what could be done in a neighbourhood high on community spirit but very low on greenery.

Bringing neighbours together

As well as raising the debate about striking a balance between car and community use in Hanover, the event also brought neighbours together for an enjoyable, friendly and safe afternoon. Surprised drivers using Southover Street respected the pop-up zebra crossing installed for the afternoon outside the community centre. Sadly it was gone the following morning.

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  • The Fab Four!

    By Rob Jarrett (03/10/2012)

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