'Living wall' gift at roundabout for Telford's 50th birthday
The wraps has finally been taken off a giant birthday present to reveal the revamp of one of Telford’s main roundabouts.
The work on the Hortonwood Roundabout has been top secret and has left motorists and passers-by in suspense for weeks.
The roundabout has been completely landscaped and includes fruit trees and a large ‘living wall’, which features 3,000 individual plants.
It was created on behalf of Telford & Wrekin Council and automotive manufacturer Denso, which lies just off the roundabout, as part of the town’s 50th birthday celebrations.
The roundabout will also carry messages to promote road safety and is also part of the firm’s commitment to the environment.
The new-look roundabout was unveiled at a ceremony on Friday, which was attended by people involved in the project, including Denso employees and representatives from the council.
The unveiling coincided with an event organised by Japanese firm Denso to reveal its new skills promotion centre, known as Monozukuri – which translates roughly as ‘make good people; make good parts’.
Shirley Reynolds, cabinet member for employment, education and lifelong learning at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “I am delighted Denso are prepared to invest in our town.
“They are not just investing in business, they are investing in our communities.” and providing jobs for Telford families.
“With the island, they have taken care to reflect the local communities and also reflect the company’s care for the environment.”
Mark Hayward, managing director of Denso Manufacturing UK Ltd, said: “It is a proud day for us and an honour that we can leave something for the community.
“We have helped to transform the traffic island as a symbol and to recognise all of the good things that are going on out there.
“For ourselves, for the future, the skills promotion centre is a huge activity for us and it very much about promoting the next generations.”
