Burning Issues

Like so many other rural problems, poverty in the countryside is often hidden from the casual observer. In a village community there appear to be no 'deprived areas', no-one scrounging round dustbins and no-one sleeping under the railway arches. The difficulty is in finding statistical facts to support the anecdotal stories.

Take for example the problem of homelessness. On the streets of our towns and cities it is all too visible. In the countryside it is hidden and therefore ignored. The head of the Rough Sleeper Unit (RSU) has been quoted as saying that .. 'there is no evidence of rural rough sleepers. It is an urban phenomenon'. However it is only last summer that a mentally ill young woman was found dead of malnutrition in a car in a West Country car park. She had been sleeping there for weeks without any action being taken to find out why, or what help could or should be given.

There is a vicious cicle where young people from rural areas drift into cities in search of support. Once there they face increased risks from drugs, violence and the sex industry.

We need to ask what is being done to prevent rough sleeping. Are the housing, transport, employment and benefits policies working? Does it need some 'joined up thinking' of the kind that Mr. Blair promised when he came to power? Should the local church be involved?

There is a national youth homelessness charity called Centrepoint.

Linked to this is the ongoing problem of affordable housing. As a village 'Vicar' I am often approached by young people who live in a neaby town and who want to have their baby baptised in the village church. This simple request usually hides a long story! One or both of the couple belong to 'old village' families. Unable to find housing within their price range they have moved to the local town. There are strong pastoral reasons for a return to the church where they, their parents and grandparents were married. The desire to return to live in the community is usually expressed.

If we are to retain any long term sense of community in our villages, the lack of affordable housing must somehow be tackled.

To these could be added a long list.

Loss of village Post Offices / Shops  (see link).

Poor provision of public transport. (Improving in some areas).

Lack of facilities for young people (The 'Sports Field' and 'Village Hall' often fail to cater for the younger members of the community)

Romanies and Travellers, (Hated by some but they are human beings with needs and rights like everyone else)

What to do?

Can I suggest that you and your church or group of friends, identify just one of the felt needs within your community. Talk to those involved. Find out who has a responsibility for it in local government. Work together with them and any other charity/organisation to resolve the problem. Let others know of your success!!!

You cannot do everything but you can do something!

TWB - Spring 2000

The Countryside Matters (1); Taxes and the countryside

The Countryside Matters (2); Development of the countryside

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