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The view from above.
Blyth is preparing to say goodbye to it's universally hated grey concrete market place. Often referred to as the gulag, it has since it's ill conceived installation reminded people of a scene from a Soviet era communist block townscape.

It did prove to be very popular with the local pigeon and seagull population who found it an extremely convenient toilet however. 

But, did you know that when the area was redeveloped in 2008, it had a message included, hidden right there before our eyes?

Next time you pass in an aircraft on approach to Newcastle, or in a hot air balloon maybe, look closely and you'll see the word "Blyth" in morse code written right down the centre of the market place. 

Those poop stained concrete seats are actually dots and dashes! 

 
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Back in the day of course, before the concrete was installed, the market place was a more pleasant place to be. 

The rose garden was very popular with Blyth's older generations, offering an inviting area to take a break during a busy shopping trip.

On market days this area would have been a hive of activity with rows of stalls selling everything from fruit to hardware. There was even a hand cranked roundabout to keep the kids happy while you sat near by.

Of course, times change. Not always for the better.
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The area is about to be redeveloped once again, with the addition of a culture hub and more planted seating areas. Lets hope some thought has been put into the new plans and we don't see another expensive mistake that quickly turns into an eyesore.
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