“How long O Lord . . . . . . .?”
The headline on BBC News on-line caught my eye.
“Rural communities being ignored and underrated say peers.”
BBC news - politics - Rural Communities April 2019
Takes me back a few years – especially to 2002 when, working in and for rural communities, I commented on “Rural Proofing” which was one of the government “in phrases” at the time!
See my comments from those days here: Rural proofing; cash machines etc
Nothing has really improved in 17 years. There is still a lot of talk, promises are made, visits by politicians to “see what is needed”- result? No difference!! At least in our small rural town, we still have a Post Office complete with cash machine. Until someone decides that it is “not economically viable”, like our bank branches. The nearest bank, now, is a 5 mile car or bus journey away.
On the topic of public transport: has anyone worked out, that if pensioners’ bus passes are withdrawn, many of the buses running at present will cease? At a rough estimate, 9 out of 10 passengers, travelling after 9.30 a.m. are using their bus pass. If the threatened withdrawal happens, those who have cars will use them, leading to more environmental degradation. Those who do not, will be even more isolated!
Rural proofing? We have heard it all before!!!!
