small towns presentation for british parking association
TRANSCRIPT
Small TownsSmall TownsAs important now as ever As important now as ever
they were … ?they were … ?
Gordon Morris and Alison EardleyAction for Market Towns
andSmall Towns for Tomorrow
www.smalltownsfortomorrow.org
Small TownsSmall Towns
Why have small towns survived for so long?
It’s simple & obvious at one level …
Because they have been necessary for those who depend on them
&Easily accessible
The reality is …
… market/country/small towns are not homogenous …
… (we can’t even agree a definition) …
… they are diverse, and that is both …… their strength and their weakness.
So, small towns – a few factsSo, small towns – a few facts
But ... they are:home to about 11,000,000 people, & a BIG
provider of jobsthe most rapidly growing settlements in
England – some are growing (the pretty ones) twice as fast as bigger towns, and cities.
There are about 1,600 of them …… all different although there are concerns
about increasing homogenization – eg NEF’s “clone towns”
Differences make for strength and weakness in terms of policy making.Academics and practitioners want to improve understanding of roles, but …… the people who live in them just want to make them better in practical terms: easy to reach; easy to stay-in; good to work in; distinctive & memorable; friendly … & need plenty of good value parking!
Small TownsSmall TownsAccessibility is Important Accessibility is Important (if (if
confusing at times!)confusing at times!)
So, small towns are part of the future So, small towns are part of the future … not the past (as if!)… not the past (as if!)
There’s no alternativeThere’s no alternative
NBNBThey have potential as test beds for They have potential as test beds for policy and practice-related research & policy and practice-related research & that’s where Action for Market Towns that’s where Action for Market Towns (AMT) comes in …(AMT) comes in …
Small Town PerspectivesSmall Town Perspectives
•Action for Market towns – a voice for small towns•Parking remains a big issue for small towns•Changing role of the town centre•New opportunities from the localism act•Creating the right partnerships and funding opportunities
For more information:For more information:
Action for Market Townswww.towns.org.uk
++++++++++Small Towns for TomorrowSmall Towns for [email protected]