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July 7, 2005
"Communities will become shadows of former selves if they don’t improve public space"
The 
charity is running a free one day event The Walking Pound Conference on Saturday 16th.
The campaign argues that retail areas are in decline -
People want to shop locally, near to where they live and work . But they want to go somewhere bright, clean and attractive which offers quality and choice.
People need reasons to walk around their neighbourhoods. When people walk, there are benefits for everyone: better health, safer streets, less crime and anti-social behaviour, stronger community life and an increase in civic pride.
High streets and shopping parades need to adopt business plans which use public realm improvements to boost retail success. Local authorities need to provide the leadership, and work with Neighbourhood Partnerships and Neighbourhood Centre Managers who operate like town centre managers.
(Some of) the essentials are to preserve heritage, upgrade any parks and squares and create a quality environment with benches, bins and public toilets.
Bishopthorpe traders of course rely heavily on motor borne trade, but I think that the benefits of a better environment and planning for other than vehicles can bring benefits for traders as well as for villagers and visitors.
Posted by martin at July 7, 2005 8:35 AM
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