What are public spaces for?

Dudley’s reconfigured marketplace was incomplete when Saturday Books moved from Stone Street to Tower Street, some ten years ago. The re-making of the area caused the move (the original shop’s finances having plunged as motorised access to the town centre became more and more difficult) to a cheaper rent. Eventually completed, the new-look square aroused some opposition from traders, who felt more exposed to wind and weather. Wide pavements with seating though, and paving all the way down to the Earl of Dudley’s statue brings the castle into relief. It is one of the most beautiful town centres that I know.

Six years ago I was outside the shop in sunshine, putting out 40p books – that’s what we called damaged items. I was approached by a couple who announced themselves as members of Castlegate Church, nothing else besides a leaflet, though the man, lean and shaven-headed, told me he’d been inside. The kindness I felt from these 30-ish people was memorable, even though I believe kindness to strangers to be a characteristic of the region.

In the intervening years Castlegate Church has been a focus for many since they run the largest food bank service in the town. I have passed by their shopfront premises in Birdcage Walk at nine in the morning and have seen the middle-aged, dressed in clothes that are good but nonetheless worn, humbly take their place in the queue. I have no doubt that those inside who run the distribution do all they can to give them back their self-respect.

Their premises overlook the site of the new Metro terminal. They also abut Dudley Market. That offers them the opportunity to interact with the wider public. They do so by holding outdoor services on Sundays, under the awnings of the empty traders’ stalls. A diverse congregation, smiling and welcoming. Conspicuous at the centre of the town, they are unabashed by the stares of passers-by. I have the impression of a set of Dudley people rightly making use of their marketplace.

I visit Birdcage Walk on a Wednesday morning, having informed them that I am to circulate a petition entitled Quieter Public Spaces* (QUIPS). My issue is the level of amplification of their preaching. I have asked if there can be common ground between us. The answer has been polite, not altogether dismissive, though ‘Can’t see how we can help,’ is not encouraging. I am met by a greying lady with cornflower-blue eyes. She has no knowledge of the correspondence, so I summarise the QUIPS view. Though her first question had been, ‘Are you against Christianity?’ she seems disposed to trust me. She tells me of her lifelong love for the town and her concern at its current demise. Her belief is that a spiritual change here will bring about a recovery. But that is a matter of wider and wider circles of people, of involvement. Therefore the amplification. It is to address those outside their group who know nothing of religious faith. Out of doors, there is no physical barrier. Those who wish to learn more have an easy entry.

From the Castlegate people I had expected conviction and therefore a block on counter-argument. She however is a woman of faith, and it is deeply impressive. She is a presence, calm and stable. Wants to help. I have used the phrase ‘impassioned preaching’ to her. That is the sound you hear, way down the streets that run from the centre, on Sunday mornings and occasionally on other days too. She agrees with me that people need quiet in their lives and that in public spaces you may find it. She recognises that there may be conflict with traders’ interests. As an evangelist though, her duty is to spread the word to an unknowing public.

I had sent details of the QUIPS petition to all six ward councillors for the town centre. One of them, Catherine Bayton, replied. She said that the open space was free for public use; only ‘hate speech’, that of the extreme-right, was an exception. I see the careful line the authorities have to tread and am sympathetic. I wait to see if the petition can gain the necessary number of signatures so that it is debated in the Council chamber, and what innovative solution they may propose. I have the impression in this democratic arena, our community’s muscle for compromise and for solution have scarcely been flexed.

* QUIETER PUBLIC SPACES (QUIPS)

We the undersigned believe that PA system-assisted spoken address deters visitors to Dudley Marketplace.

Speech amplified through PA detracts from the peacefulness of the pedestrian area.

A marketplace should further trade and build friendships. It is hard to see how continuous loud amplification can help.

The public space of course should be available for entertainment. Only in exceptional circumstances can spoken word be considered entertainment, as music might be.

We call for amplification to be restricted solely to music.