Urban oasis

Today I had a meeting over lunch with a colleague who works in another part of Preston. Between us is Winckley Square, once a classical Georgian square built to accommodate the prosperous middle class as the town explanded early in the industrial revolution, and still very attractive and pleasant although many of the grand houses are now offices and some buildings have been replaced with less elegant ones (as in the background here). The central square is a haven of peace and wildlife - on this sunny winter day, inquisitive pigeons, an elusive squirrel and many songbirds. The City Council plans to spoil it with modern improvements and 'features'. Leave it as it is, say most of the residents, including this one!