Castle Irwell Flood Basin

Work on Salford's second flood basin is at a really advanced stage - a fantastic job which will help protect a lot of homes and businesses in the City.

Local artist Tony Kelzo has gone to town on "muralising" all the surfaces to hand. I liked the way he has used two drainage pipes to form the binoculars in the blip, very clever. A couple of other pics in the extras. Why the horses ? This was the site of the Manchester Racecourse, which closed in the 1960's. Lester Piggott won the last Manchester Cup race. And the site attracts lots of wildlife.

A great wetland is being created, already attracting lots of birds. Digging down, the displaced soil has been used to form bunds, and a knoll in the top corner - Harry's Hill. And around the edge of the huge Irwell meander which contains the Basin, a walkway/cycleway, which is going to be very popular.

Top Job !