I could not believe that this little village and canal used to be slum houses and the site of the old Tate and Lyle sugar refinery. We stepped off the minibus and walked straight into the village hall where we were welcomed by a couple of locals who told us to walk around and be as nosy as we liked.

I was amazed at how clean and tidy everywhere was, the tables and chairs were immaculate. From where we were seated you could see about a mile stretch of the canal, I knew that the group would soon be walking up the canal so I decided to walk on ahead of them.

I made my way through to the snooker room, and passed by two fruit machines with jackpots of £75 and £100. I was quite surprised that no teenagers were gathering around them trying their luck. Entering the room I noticed two big doors leading out to the canal and patio area. I walked out into the garden, but instead of going straight to the canal, I found myself rooted to this spot watching the ducks feed. I sat down at a table and lit a fag. I looked around and noticed a couple of people were playing bowls on an Astro-turf green which had been built right next to the sports centre. There was a 5 a side Astro-turf pitch as well.

Out here on this patio I was taken by the sheer beauty of this place. The landscaping was absolutely breathtaking. I did not see one bit of broken or tangled fencing; there was no litter of any sort anywhere, not even an empty tin of mineral or a packet of crisps. I noticed that there was not even a cracked pavement.

I sat there for a good half an hour enjoying the peace, tranquillity and the sunshine. I watched as a man cycled by me, he stopped next to about twenty ducks, pulled out some tinfoil and began feeding his sandwiches (probably made by his wife for his dinner) to the ducks, when he finished feeding his sandwiches I noticed he screwed the foil up into a ball but he did not take a pot-shot at one of the ducks, which I must say I probably would, no instead he turned around walked about twenty yards and then tossed it directly into a litter bin of which there were plenty.

I sat down again and began to make a few notes. I must have smoked two or three cigarettes, when looking down at my feet I suddenly felt very guilty and very ashamed of the mess I’d made with my ash and butts, however I felt pleased that I could have a smoke in peace without some youth asking me to save him some.
Andrew Fleck.