The needle did prick our conscience

So the needle is no more. The brain child of the increasingly ineffective WNDC has been confined to depths that contain the doomed roof on the market, the arch over the M1 and flats on the lift tower.

What the needle debate did highlight was the desperate need for this town to have something to create a sense of identity, instantly recognisable gateways which tells you are entering or in Northampton and brings about a feel good factor that the town lacks.

The needle had its detractors from day one and whilst I didn’t agree with the complete condemnation of the idea, I do understand why many felt it inappropriate given that so much needs to be done to improve the infrastructure and public services of the town.

I have to say I quite liked the idea, not necessarily of the needle itself but something that would remind young and old about Northampton’s proud shoe past. Apart from the statue in Abington Street, there is nothing to celebrate the contribution the town has made to the shoe industry.

Northampton needs gateways, a strong brand identity with blatant links to its shoe past for all to see and appreciate. A new generation of children have no idea what made this town famous and how they can share in its past as they look to the future. Yes the shoe museum is great but for the contribution this town made to the leather and show industry, the museum just doesn’t do it justice.

Although it has been condemned and consigned to the history, I hope the needle does make a comeback in the future when we have addressed some of the more pressing issues like the Grosvenor Centre, bus station, trains station etc. and find a place for it on a smaller scale and strategically positioned in one of the many gateways to this town.

The primary reason for knocking the needle in my view was not necessarily that it was a bad idea, but it was bad timing. If people didn’t feel as bad as they about the town, they would have seen the merits of the structure and grow to like it.