A FURIOUS war of words has broken out over where an historic 19th century cattle trough should be placed in Evesham.
During a heated debate at Evesham Town Council on Monday (May 15), Coun Colin Tether proposed the trough should be moved from the Almonry to the High Street because ‘artefacts should be placed close to where they came from.’
However, his calls were ridiculed by Coun Jim Bulman who described the proposal as ‘crass stupidity’ while Almonry chiefs also defended their decision to retain the artefact.
The cattle trough was originally installed in 1884 next to the Post Office, but it disappeared in 1938 and after 79 years it was discovered on land between the Leisure Centre and the new Fire Station.
It has since been temporarily placed in the front gardens of the Almonry; however at the meeting Coun Tether called for it to be moved to ‘tell this part of the story of Evesham.’
“The trough was there for watering cattle in 1884 as the High Street was then a scene of hustle and bustle,” Coun Tether said.
“I think the cattle trough should be placed there together with an information board showing photograph of what our busy High Street was like.
“It should be an essential stopping place on our tourist trails. This is the place for telling this part of the story of Evesham, not at the Almonry,” he added.
However Almonry manager Ashleigh Jayes angrily hit back and said: “I have heard it referred to as dumped – it wasn’t dumped at the Almonry.
“Yes it was a bit of a rushed job and it is on a temporary surface.
“If it stays at the Almonry there will be a permanent surface put down, like there is for the other trough that is already outside the front of the Almonry.
“I don’t think it detracts at all from the Almonry. The reason everything heritage is centred around the Almonry is because we are the town’s museum that is our job that’s what we do.
“We represent the history and the story of Evesham. This trough is part of that story.
“I’m not saying that means we’ve got to keep it all, but to me keeping the trough where it is its safe, it’s secure, and it adds to the gardens.
“I believe the trough should stay at the Almonry and I think it forms a really important part of the Evesham story,” she added.
Coun Bulman ridiculed the proposal and said: “This is just an item which dates back years. We don’t have cattle droving through the town; we have no need for it.
“All it’s going to do is create an obstruction for people to hit with their cars.
“It is short of crass stupidity to put it back in the town and its going to take up space which is needed for car parking,” he added.
Following a vote, a majority of councillors backed the recommendation to keep the cattle trough at the Almonry.
What do you think? Where should the trough be placed? Write to the editor by sending an e-mail to [email protected] with your views.
