THE newly opened, redeveloped Littleton Gardens had its first real test hosting a large community event on Thursday night – and in some ways it dropped the ball.
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Don’t get me wrong, overwhelmingly the response to the new-look gardens has been positive – the enjoyment of the water feature by local children is a particular delight - and the huge crowd on Thursday night was well accommodated in terms of space and atmosphere.
However, to have the much-touted swanky new public toilet block locked and out of service for the whole night caused a bit of a stink.
As did the gardens’ bins – which were full to overflowing before 7pm on a night that went through until after 9pm.
Small matters perhaps on a night full of festive joy and local retailers’ pride, but nevertheless cause for concern.
The toilets in particular caused some grumbling and knowing looks.
Including from those who had to wander from the gardens across the car park, discover the toilets out of service and make the trek all the way back into the Sapphire Marketplace to make use of its amenities (this is from personal experience with my three-year-old daughter as well).
Lessons to be learned here I’d suggest.
On a happier note, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers a safe and enjoyable Christmas.
The Bega Valley has had more tragedy than it deserves in this last couple of weeks, but we have also seen great achievements and a community bound by its strength.
Please make sure to look after yourselves and each other throughout this festive season and into the New Year, which hopefully brings with it a renewed positivity about what this region and its people can offer and achieve.