Halton Scouse cop and carbuncle
I have to remind myself where Halton Transport actually operates. Of course, it's Widnes. More than 35 years after the wretched Local Government Act of 1974, I remain obstinate in my reluctance to recognise the boundary and name changes, most of which seemd pointless. Does anyone from Widnes actually say that they come from Halton?
Anyway, back to the bus. Having never visited Widnes, my only opportunities to phot Halton Transport vehicles is in Liverpool. The scene here is The Strand, the entrance to Albert Dock being off camera to the left. One of the Liver Building's towers is in view, together with the stylised moderne ventilation shaft to the Mersey Tunnel in front. Also in the background is Norman Shaw's turreted White Star Building. What's the glass block in the foreground? One Park West, according to the banner at the top.
The vehicle is DE52USC, which according to the Wikipedia entry on Halton Transport is a TransBus Dart SPD with East Lancs Myllennium bodywork - one of 21 in the fleet. I can't help wondering whether a gurning Les Dawson was the inspiration for the East Lancs' designer.
PS Further research reveals that the Argentinian architect César Pelli is responsible for One Park West. I like his work, being most familiar with the original Canary Wharf tower in London. Others have been less impressed, as One Park West was nominated for the 2009 Carbuncle Cup for the worst new building in the UK. Steady on, Prince Charles...
Halton Scouse cop and carbuncle
I have to remind myself where Halton Transport actually operates. Of course, it's Widnes. More than 35 years after the wretched Local Government Act of 1974, I remain obstinate in my reluctance to recognise the boundary and name changes, most of which seemd pointless. Does anyone from Widnes actually say that they come from Halton?
Anyway, back to the bus. Having never visited Widnes, my only opportunities to phot Halton Transport vehicles is in Liverpool. The scene here is The Strand, the entrance to Albert Dock being off camera to the left. One of the Liver Building's towers is in view, together with the stylised moderne ventilation shaft to the Mersey Tunnel in front. Also in the background is Norman Shaw's turreted White Star Building. What's the glass block in the foreground? One Park West, according to the banner at the top.
The vehicle is DE52USC, which according to the Wikipedia entry on Halton Transport is a TransBus Dart SPD with East Lancs Myllennium bodywork - one of 21 in the fleet. I can't help wondering whether a gurning Les Dawson was the inspiration for the East Lancs' designer.
PS Further research reveals that the Argentinian architect César Pelli is responsible for One Park West. I like his work, being most familiar with the original Canary Wharf tower in London. Others have been less impressed, as One Park West was nominated for the 2009 Carbuncle Cup for the worst new building in the UK. Steady on, Prince Charles...