Posters

The Brewery complex in town has been open for about three years and several of the units are still empty. In a bid to try and integrate them with the surrounding restaurants and shops the management are hosting an art competition for local school children to brighten up the boarded facades with posters. Nice idea, in fact its...

Court Side

This is the side of the building that was once home to the County Court and has now stood empty for over three years. You can find it in the originally titled County Court Road!

Once again sorry for my absence on the old commenting rounds. I'm a busy boy this week.

Envious?

I'm not. This, as I've said before, is a common sight in not just my town but towns up and down the country, and the world. The economic climate has brought about the closure of dozens of businesses in Cheltenham. I think the Letting agent will have this retail unit on the books for a while to come yet. Green shoots anyone?

Sorry for the lack of comments, as I've said before, I've got loads on this week. I'm sure all your photos are fantastic!

Theme Day - Empty

The first day of the month brings about Theme Day across the CDPB community and the theme for July is Empty.

Today I'm showing the Farmers Market, or rather, whats left of the Farmers Market. The local produce market takes place on the first and last Friday of each month in front of the Municipal Offices and runs until 3pm. I took this photo at 3.10pm, they don't hang about! In the distance you can make out the green frames of the stalls as a team of guys remove them until the next time.

To see what others have come up with for the theme click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

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Not All Pretty

Just to show you that its not all leafy parks, Regency buildings and posh ladies luncheoning in Cheltenham. Like all towns and cities we have problem areas and grotty corners. This is a boarded up building that has been empty for as long as I can remember. Not pretty but reality.

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Recession

Well, its official. The UK is in recession. We've had two quarters of negative economic growth. Its been said on the news today that it could continue well into 2010. Empty shops like these will be soon be common place.

I'm working all weekend, so think of me as you all enjoy yourselves. Actually I suppose I should be pleased I've still got a job!
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See You In Court

Well, not anymore. The now empty former County Court is just off Regent Street, in the originally named County Court Road, and used to be used as the Court for small claims. Cheltenham has its main Magistrates Court in a 1960's block just a few minutes away, and Gloucester has the Crown Court. Up until a few years ago the County Court in town was in full operation but the County Council decided that the cost of running repairs made it no longer affordable to keep. The Court merged with Gloucesters County Court, at the Docks, and since then the building has been empty. I don't know if it was sold off but there was talk of (another) pub chain taking it on. So it could be that time will be called at the bar!