HUGE play slides could be built in Stratford town centre if a conceptual artist has his way. Carsten Holler, the German artist behind the Tate Modern slides, commissioned urban and rural regeneration consultants the General Public Agency (GPA) to carry out a study into building similar structures in Stratford's Olympic village. Mr Holler believes that sliding can reduce problems of depression, obesity, respiratory conditions, mental health problems and heart disease. He said that sliding can be art and fun and has suggested a number of slides for Stratford.

The GPA study said: "Stratford has a rich hidden history but lacks a strong positive identity."New development in the area has so far lacked a distinctive local character and has not responded to the culture and character of its communities.

"In this situation, slides could be a way to give the area a new focus and identity that could engage the local communities and provide a uniquely different realm."

From: This is Hertfordshire

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