SHIVERING my way across our windswept Market Place the other day, I regret to tell you that it just felt grim.

I was never one of those who objected in principle to its refurbishment, though I did regard the project as a political gesture by Jane Scott to appease opponents of her unitary authority.

You have to admit it was terribly tatty previously.

And with the provision of sufficient disabled spaces nearby, there really was no need to disfigure it with parked cars and meters.

But what we’ve been left with is a barren expanse crying out to be filled, and a hideous loo block reminiscent of a Cold War bunker.

When the market’s on and the square is crowded, the space works well.

It’s safer and more inviting for customers, now that they have aisles wide enough to browse without tripping over shopping trolleys or bumpy Tarmac with roots trying to grow through it.

I should think the trees feel a lot more comfortable, too! And when the city council’s planning a big event, its staff must be thanking their lucky stars for that level paved surface.

If only our weather would oblige for more than five minutes a year, we might even achieve an approximation of Continental café culture, which I’m sure was very much in the architects’ minds during the redesign.

But midweek in midwinter, when the sun’s sulking – my word, the square can feel as bleak as any deserted mall in our depressed industrial heartlands.

So the Civic Society’s notion of acquiring a copy of Giles Penny’s sculpture Man With Open Arms – so popular here back in 1999 – is bang on the button.

I’ve suggested before that the Guildhall and market squares would be an ideal location for regularly-changing displays of public art.

They’d be an extra tourist attraction, and I’m sure many artists and sculptors would welcome the chance to engage with a wider audience.

Vandalism may be a risk, but there are times when we just have to take a chance and trust to the power of art (and CCTV!) to bring out the best in human nature.

The evening markets and car boot Sundays being launched by the city council are bound to liven up the atmosphere, too.

The only pity is that the boot sales will be on Sunday mornings – coinciding with established events at the cattle market, fire station and Nunton.

Bargain-hunters (myself included) will be spoilt for choice, so an afternoon slot might prove more successful.

However, I don’t like to quibble when what we should be doing is welcoming these projected improvements. With open arms.

anneriddle36@gmail.com.