Interview with John Dean. Track 5 of 7

Gives thumbnail portrait of Conservative councillor Irene Pollard. Mentions her influence, with Ken Bowder, in new council after 1974. Comments on leadership at county council (phone rings). Passing mention of Colonel Lloyd attending meetings in hunting garb. Brief thumbnail of Ken Bowder, respect for his ability. Comments on ‘old’ Labour attitudes, variable quality of councillors, poor media image of councillors. Recalls getting along with most people regardless of political slant. Talks about council’s disabled access policy: how it developed, opposition, Ken Middleton intervening, Anne Marie Suter appointed, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) good practice bulletin, spread of the work. Anecdotes about contacts with Prince Charles’s office when he became interested in the policy. Mentions attending lunch party on subject. (Sound of recorder being moved). Suggests initial opposition to policy down to lack of awareness. Describes colleagues in department as very well educated, gives examples, recalls good working environment. Mentions consideration of spaces for women in late 1980s/early 1990s. Brief mention of women’s unit. Mentions unit working on energy conservation as part of Council’s progressive attitude – example of ecology strategy. Talks about start of Riverside Park with sale of railway, Civic Society cleaning canal. Briefly recalls conference where nonsense spouted about watersides. Comments on planners’ concern for ‘amenity’. Example of dealing with case of polluted factory as good council work. Mention of Peter Soulsby being a canal enthusiast. Recalls interest from national government. Brief digression on Leicester as a ‘nuclear free’ zone, Leicester being an ‘environment’ city. Talks about Colin Thompson finding money from various pots for Watermead Park, landscaping the area, wardens. Recalls policy preceded ecology strategy, first urban conservation area, enthusiasm of team. Talks about opposing Centre 21 (Fosse Park shopping area) development, second enquiry, value of Sir David Keene, eventual expansion. Brief mentions of St Martin’s development in city centre allowing for future excavations, Phoenix car park. Talks briefly about Shires shopping centre, Colin Thompson produced sketch showing worst possible outcome, huge archaeological dig. Explains regret that old streets disappeared. Brief consideration of Haymarket shopping centre, indoor market, consideration of environment