Okehampton's New Gate: Work of art or... what?

We've all seen it. A gate going nowhere - and it's chained up anyway. What is it? Who's idea?  Why? How much?

I make no apologies for turning to that esteemed journal, the Okehampton Times, to find potential answers.

This is, and I quote, "a garden symbolising the rural way of life...". Excuse me, but my idea of a garden is not a wall, a gate and a bit of paving, however vernacular the building materials. Rural? I see not even grass, let alone fields and trees!

To continue, "The garden, at the junction of Crediton Road and Northfield Road, is situated at an important entrance to the town...". I've driven up and down Exeter Road thousands of times in the last twenty five years, and I must say that this particular point in the road has never struck me as an 'entrance to the town': Marble Arch it ain't!

Who's idea? "The design was selected after a long consultation period involving the Okehampton United Charities, the town council and the local community. It features a traditional riven chestnut or oak (Which? DW) five-bar gate and three converging stone walls, incorporating planting areas containing a hawthorn tree, gorse, heather and bracken."  Sounds all a bit like the Emperor's New Clothes to me.

As to why, we have to turn to gardener and administrator for Growing Our Future Shanti Smallwood. "We hope now that people will take a few minutes to sit down and enjoy it as they pass through." (They can't pass through the gate. It's chained up! DW)

She goes on, "I do feel it is very important to engage with the local community. Certainly, if we create any space where we grow produce it means that we will need more involvement from local people."

Well yes, Shanti. But this is not a place where anyone is going to grow produce. And what involvement? Who was involved with the planning of this project?

I've left the cost until last. Here it comes.... "The garden has been funded to the tune of £20,000 by the Okehampton United Charities."

(Puts on Victor Meldrew voice... ) "How much? And who got it?"

Well, if you want to see the official opening, Chairman of Devon County Council Christine Marsh will cut the ribbon to mark the launch of the Growing Our Future project at 10am on Monday 9th October.

Unfortunately, the owners of the house next door have just erected scaffolding while the end wall of their property is being decorated (see pictures above), so the aforementioned ceremony might be a little low key.

What do you Okehampton People think? Is this really a bona fide work of art which enhances the 'entrance to the town? Or have we and the council been conned by some sweet-talking artists? Go on. Shoot me down as a grumpy old man - or join me in my indignation!