NEW HOUSING developments cause stirs in every community – this is not a new phenomenon.
The construction of the Whitley Estate build in the 1970s was certainly not to all residents’ satisfaction.
Although it went a long way in reducing homelessness in the area, it took away pre-existing land which they had used for a wide range of leisure activities, and residents were sure to let the authorities know of their displeasure in no uncertain terms.
The photographs from this week’s feature show the development of the Heroes Walk estate off Spencer Road.
According to Whitley Community Museum curator David Turner, very few photographs of the original Whitley Estate build exist.
He said: “I have my own personal memory as I worked in the housing department at the time in the early 70s. After a while it was apparent there were serious issues with the build.
“The bedroom sliding windows were falling out and the outside cladding was also falling away. I was given the job of surveying each property to ascertain which homes were affected so an action plan could be put in place.”
Mr Turner added that, as with most large-scale projects, not everyone will be satisfied.
With over 4,600 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an accessible online and in-person resource.
The group serves as a platform for residents past and present to share memories through photographs and comments.
It also allows group members to reconnect, with members reacquainting themselves with friends and schoolmates from decades ago.
The museum held a Whitley Way Back When event at the Community Cafe on Northumberland Avenue earlier this year to showcase its photographs and exhibits in-person.
For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com
