Why is "world-class Stratford-upon-Avon" such a dump?

[JohnnyG]

So bestselling author Germaine Greer raised the question in yesterdays Guardian. Why is "world-class Stratford-upon-Avon" such a dump? Is she correct, and if so what should be done about it?

http://arts.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1854937,00.html#article_continue

[Reggie]

Youch, a little on the harsh side. It misses out some of the good points we have, like the free gardens that are really very nice, and erm other stuff. I thought this quote summed up the attitude of Stratford & Tourist (and locals for that matter) nicely, "grab their money and get rid of them".

I've moaned about this before. But for once it would be nice to think some of that tax money we paid (That is way above inflation), went on thing other than. A) More stuff for tourists and visitors. B) More stuff to make even more money out of us/tourists.

Stratford is going downhill, we are getting more and more housing every day and no more shops. We badly need new and cheaper retail space, but what do we get instead? A new office block that looks like a prison, a new and very expensive Bridge that nobody wants, and considerations for a new civic hall which nobody asked for, on land which would be perfect for more shops and as a bus/rail exchange.

[Abbie]

I'd say it's very harsh, Stratford certainly isn't a dump. But it does lack severely in facilities of every kind, and the whole town philosophy seems to be so far behind in every way.

Look at how prosperous and modern Leamington Spa is becoming! OK it still has some bad areas, but the main town is an absolute joy to go shopping in, eat in, and drink as well! Stratford just pales by comparison.

It's a shame when our town has got so much potential to be more.

[chillitt]

she has been wrong in extremis on a number of issues a number of times. dont get me wrong, im not saying she is always wrong but i wouldn't take her word for anything:mad:

[Abbie]

Welcome to the forums BTW JonnyG!

[ronlyre]

To cut a long story short...Stratfordfordians don't feel that they belong. For many years now there's been a 'us and them' situation, leading to no particular sense of community. A feeling that's been fostered by a town council that are unrepresentative and uncaring about the people that live here, both young and old. There has never been any attempt as far as I can remember to bring townsfolk together in show of community spirit. Any major events planned always carry an element of business and therefore profit, or are to do with bringing outsiders (tourists, theatre-goers etc) in.
Prof Greer is right about many things concerning Stratford, what she can't possibly know (although she touched on it) about is the effort it takes to live in a town that is slowly but surely destroying itself.

[ronlyre]

:mad: Abo's?

[Will]

I've deleted the offending posts, racism will not be tolerated.

[Miss Annaphylactic]

Hi everyone -

Well, Germaine's article was certainly heart felt, and I'd agree with Abbie that it's a little harsh. Yes, there are elements that need work (for example, the rent costs for retails outlets, the parking for local residents etc), but as a town it's really not that bad.

I am a Stratford convert. I grew up in the town and hated it! There was never anything to do and I spent my younger days counting down the years until I could leave. I spent a bit of time afterwards living in Oxford, Leamington Spa and even Mexico - but moved back to Stratford and bought a property in 2003. It really is a beautiful place and doesn't deserve some of the flack it gets.

On more official terms, since becoming Marketing Director of the new visitor attraction, Shakespearience, I have been invited to most of the strategy meetings concerning the World Class bids and proposals, and I have to say that most of the motions that have been put forward are going to benefit not only the visitors, but the residents as well.

Five-ten years ago it was the case that tourists outweighed locals in the height of the season, but that simply hasn't been the case in recent years. I used to find the words "damn tourists" rolling off my tongue constantly as a youth; you couldn't turn around without getting tripped up, or drive down a street without risking a manslaughter suit; but this has changed. The town is quiet and NEEDS more visitors - and to argue Ms Greer's point - we are not trying to push the tourists through quickly whilst grabbing as much money as we can - we are in fact focused on the complete opposite - trying to keep those that visit the town here for longer so they can enjoy more, and in turn benefit more businesses - retail, catering etc.

There is so much that Stratford has to offer beyond Shakespeare. There are the gardens, the restaurants/bars, the river, Butterfly Farm, Shakespearience (yes, I know we are a Shakespearian attraction, but also do much more in the evenings) etc etc, and Warwick and the Cotswolds are right on our doorstep.

South Warwickshire Tourism, while not perfect by any means, are certainly doing their best to promote Stratford beyond Shakespeare being all we have to offer and this is very important indeed.

Anyway - I could rabble on for hours about what we are trying to achieve - but just remember - we have only won the opportunity to be World Class, and the backing - we are not actually World Class until everything is put in place, so hold your horses before you criticise us Germaine!

Anna

(All views are MY OWN, not those of Shakespearience, or any of the committees I attend- SWT, SWATA, STMP, STMPSLCC etc)

[Unregistered]

Well more than a year after the last post a lot has changed in my opinion. No, we are nowhere near world class yet, and the progress is going so painfully slow.
I moved to Stratford nearly 3 years ago, and after first loving the town I now honestly can't wait to get away from it. The town centre is way too small for its growing population, but all Stratford DC seems to be bothered about is buildng more and more housing so that they can be occupied by migrant workers. Speaking of which, in my opinion there is a certain group of migrant workers who is causing an awful lot of tension in the social life in Stratford upon Avon. Don't get me wrong, I do not intend to point the finger at ALL migrant workers (as I officially am one myself).
I'm really not that bothered what our town itself looks like, but I do feel that the town centre is most insufficient to meet the local people's needs. This and the growing agression and tension caused by certain people in pubs/clubs etc. makes me want to leave immediately. I no longer feel safe when I am supposed to have a good time with my friends on a night out, if I wanted that feeling I would have moved to a dodgy area in London somewhere...

C.

[Will]

I feel you pain Mari, I too saw the Bankcroft for the first time today since being back, and I was utterly devastated. So many old and beautiful trees have been destroyed, it's bordering on horrific, it looks so bare and unnatural. There won't be any blossom to greet me on my way into town this year.

It's pretty much the final straw for me, what little faith I had left in Stratford retaining it's dignity is now lost. I'm surprised they're not building yet another housing estate there.

I'm absolutely disgusted and shocked beyond words.

[cathidaw]

Stratford has always been a special place to me. Ihave not seen this sight and , after what everyone here has said I don't want to . I will keep my dreams .
The problems are the same in most cities. New 'designers' come in and do their stuff-then when the ultimate amount of havoc is reached , they go off with big handshakes to reap havoc on another unsuspecting city.
I have said many times how the same thing has happened to Coventry---and now with this new gift of so many BILLION pounds to spend the council have decided to re-revamp the city centre--again. They still havent finished the last revamp...nor the one before that.
We have roads that go nowhere -except possibly to Ikea, one-ways which take us off to places we dont want to go and never knew existed. Ancient buildings rotting away --even if we could get to them them. Yet roads and pavements which are death traps for the want of repairs. We now have no coach station and in the Burgess-right in town -all the buses and taxis huddle together to create a carcinogeous fug.
This 'city of the three Spires' is now 'city of three spires and Ikea' which can be seen on the skyline-----and probably from space.
Two years ago 'they' decided we needed a new spire --made of glass! That idea died a quick death - mainly because of opposition to the plan, but this one..........we shall see.
Planners are a special breed and should be on a special list--ASBOs perhaps

All my ranting about Coventry will not help you--it's too late now and I am sorry. But it makes me feel a bit better--even tho' I despair.

[cathidaw]

thanks mari
re the jewel in the crown-ie Spon Street .
Did you know that most of those medieval buildings were moved there from other parts of Coventry brick by brick and beam by beam. Someone after the war--- during the first revamp-- decided that most of the really old buildings should be moved to one spot ie Spon Street so that they could have a clear sweep to redevelop.
They were taken down-each part numbered and stored away until they could be re-sited. Over the first few years some were rebuilt-those buildings we see now- but with different planners coming and going and finance as it was, and is now, these buildings still lie in storage-some open to the elements in a yard somewhere in the city centre.I went there once years ago on a Municipal visit but cannot remember where it is.
I do not believe that the Christian element has gone-quite the reverse in fact, but the historical aspect has gone to the dogs . There is
a lot of 'empty talk about preservation but if 'they' want something gone-it goes.
There are societies in Coventry who really try hard to get things done but they are outnumbered. Even the Coventry and District Archaeological Society have only a small voice-and Coventry has not got an archaeological unit any more .. A medieval city like this!
They use Northampton unit and others.

[Shizara]

Lex, when you get to New Zealand you will find plenty of places to relax, under a tree with a book. I know there is no place like home, but you will find it a great substitute whilst you are away.

Enjoy your trip and it's great to see you popping in for a comment.

[Unregistered]

So where were all you folk when the local Action Group "Stratford Voice" organised a rally on the Bancroft Gardens to try to stop it happening?...Of course as per usual only about a couple of hundred people show up and quite frankly the local district council just had a s****** at the apathy and full steam ahead..

This comment is not aimed at anyone in particular but i'm sick to death of the apathy around here and then all the whinging that goes on after the event..

If 5,000 people had shown up then just maybe, just maybe the Council would have been jolted into attention.

[Mavis]

Judging by what I've read here, and heard in general. Stratford voice are nothing more then a bunch of unorganised, mealy mouthed, time-wasters. Perhaps no one came to your little demo, because no one knew it was even happening!

Ever think of that?

[Unregistered]

Judging by what I've read here, and heard in general. Stratford voice are nothing more then a bunch of unorganised, mealy mouthed, time-wasters. Perhaps no one came to your little demo, because no one knew it was even happening!

Ever think of that?

There is of course Mavis nothing stopping you forming your own highly organised, non mealy mouthed, time efficient local action group of local people who take an interest and care deeply about what is happening in their local community

That is of course might be totally unnecessary as you may well be entirely happy with the way the various councils operate in Stratford with regards Bancroft Gardens, The Bridge, Massive housing Developments, Rounabout "Gateway developments" etc

[cathidaw]

I do not live in Coventry now -just 1 mile over the border- but I'm still fiercely a Coventry kid -or a fierce coventry kid if you like -born within the city walls - , however I keep an eye on what's going on -and even when I lived in Leamington or Wales I voiced my opinion often-usually through the Coventry Telegraph.
and so does my sister who lives in Coventry.

[Dexter]

I was a visitor to Stratford at the time, signed the petition.
Now I have moved closer to Stratford, and take a keen interest in proposed projects for the town by SDC.

Isn't there a website for Stratford Voice ?


I have recently been informed by SDC that the decision to remove these trees had not been lightly made, and that considerable public consultation was engaged in over the last 18 months and details of the reasons why the trees have needed to be removed. 20,000 copies of leaflets have been made available briefing the public on . 'What's happening in the Bancroft Gardens.

I would be interested in the feedback the SDC had from the peopleof Stratford.

I have also been informed that the Council will shortly be replacing more trees than those removed. Most of the new trees will be semi-mature, i.e approximately 15 years old.

'


Hello Mari..I'm pleased to hear that you are taking a keen interest in whats going on around here.

The first thing that you should be aware of is what the council means by "Consultation".. Basically this means in their eyes distributing a leaflet or maybe holding a one day stall at Tesco normally attended by a slick talking consultant from the company they are employing at vast expense to recommend the changes..

The second part of the consultation is when local people respond and say that is not what they want THEIR council to do

The third part is when all local views are ignored...

So basically as you will find out "Consultation" means telling the local people what is going to happen and ignoring their views on it.

With regards the Bancroft Gardens..I can honestly say that I cannot find one single person in the vicinity of where I live that is in agreement with what has happened.

Yes some of the trees were apprently diseased but not all of them..What is obvious is that the reason the majority have been removed is so they do not obscur the view of the Theatre when the changes are completed..I suspect many of these "diseased" trees could have been treated if necessary but of course the whole thing is rather "convenient"

You will also see shortly that the lovely little canal bridge right by the Bancroft basin will be ripped out. This bridge was restored by prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs and re opened by the Queen Mother in 1964..Again this ornate bridge was much loved by the people of this town and we tried to get this stopped too..We were ignored..

Sorry to say if you live around here you will soon get to understand that the wishes of local people count for nothing

[Unregistered]

Hello Mari..I'm pleased to hear that you are taking a keen interest in whats going on around here.

The first thing that you should be aware of is what the council means by "Consultation".. Basically this means in their eyes distributing a leaflet or maybe holding a one day stall at Tesco normally attended by a slick talking consultant from the company they are employing at vast expense to recommend the changes..

The second part of the consultation is when local people respond and say that is not what they want THEIR council to do

The third part is when all local views are ignored...

So basically as you will find out "Consultation" means telling the local people what is going to happen and ignoring their views on it.

With regards the Bancroft Gardens..I can honestly say that I cannot find one single person in the vicinity of where I live that is in agreement with what has happened.

Yes some of the trees were apprently diseased but not all of them..What is obvious is that the reason the majority have been removed is so they do not obscur the view of the Theatre when the changes are completed..I suspect many of these "diseased" trees could have been treated if necessary but of course the whole thing is rather "convenient"

You will also see shortly that the lovely little canal bridge right by the Bancroft basin will be ripped out. This bridge was restored by prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs and re opened by the Queen Mother in 1964..Again this ornate bridge was much loved by the people of this town and we tried to get this stopped too..We were ignored..

Sorry to say if you live around here you will soon get to understand that the wishes of local people count for nothing



Thanks Dexter,

I am sure you know a lot more than I do about the situation, I just quoted what the Council told me. I know it was the RSC that wanted the trees cleared as they said they obscured the view of the Theatre. Well, who wants to look at that horrible new design with that hideous tower. Believe me, I have no faith in the SDC whatsoever ! They insult our intelligence when they fob us of with their deceit and lies ! I think the Council would have been stuffed if all the residents of Stratford refused to pay their Council tax in protest , then perhaps they would have listened.
Isn't it just Sod's law, we have been visiting Stratford Upon Avon for the last 20 years, and now we move this way, everything is changing.

It is sad to hear about the dear little canal bridge. I wonder what Prince Charles has to say in the matter. Apparently I heard that he has received at least a hundred letters protesting about the ripping out of Bancroft Gardens and the hideous changes to the theatre, and has summoned Noble to discuss matters with him. But what good can come from that now, the dirty deed has been done.

,

[David1976]

I think you people are far too critical. I moved to Stratford in 2006 and quite honestly, I am happier here than I have been for years. I think you take a lot of good points about Stratford for granted.

We have regular buses to many towns and villages (including Coventry and Birmingham) and rail routes to London. The north of Stratford is really developing with new shopping facilities. The May Bird centre is being improved and there are new shops planned for the area in the new housing development by Tesco.

I read in on of the posts that Leamington Spa was being praised. Well, Leamington is worse than Stratford. I'd much rather live in Stratford than anywhere else.

David
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[Dexter]

With all respect David..you say you moved here in 2006..thats fine..You chose to move to a town with literally hundreds of new houses littered on newly built housing estates. You chose to move to a town with a massively expanding population. You chose to move to a town with huge out of town retail complexes being sprung up...Thats fine. I moved here 18 years ago because I WANTED to live in a small market town with a villagey feel to it which had a sense of local community and thats what I got

The main gripe we have is that this has been literally torn away from us and certainly the democratic wishes of those of us living here have been ignored.

Yes Stratford is a nice place compared to others, but I can assure you NOT as nice as it was..And before you think i'm some OAP that doesn't want any change, i'm far from that not even 45 yet!!!

[Dexter]

It's only on returning to Stratford after several months away, have I realised how tatty the town is getting - cracked pavements, dirty streets, crowded, grass verges that haven't been mowed for months (apart from the odd one where a local resident has had enough & done it him/herself), etc. etc. etc...
I'm starting to come round to thinking World Class Stratford is a good idea, as long as it's well thought out & not just the piecemeal effort it seems to be so far. When is work proper going to start on WCS anyway; or has all the money been spent on thinking about it?
Another thing; Stratford really IS a very expensive place. I saw some British beer for sale in New Zealand, and it wasn't too much more expensive than buying it in a shop in Stratford - only about £1.20 more, not bad considering it had been transported half way around the world!!

Have you not noticed the new bicycle racks in Bridge street unveiled to much fanfair..The first tangeable results of WCS!

[Unregistered]

The Council and the World Class committee have yet to prove to residents and visitors that they understand what makes Stratford 'Stratford'. They seem to think that turning Stratford into a clone town of cement and steel, adding fairground attractions, and ruining anything that's good (ie the natural beauty of the Bancroft Gardens, which they are turning into a city centre garden at great expense).

Germaine Greer is too near the knuckle for many.

[Will]

Unregistered, I think you've pretty much hit the nail on the head. I for one am not looking forward to the giant fairground wheel, and all the temporary stalls which will be thrown up around it. Another big eyesore, it's bad enough that if from approach Stratford from the bridge, you are greeted with an ugly merry-go-round and garish children's swings.

Stratford's natural beauty is being eroded at an alarming rate. I'm almost 100% certain the next to go will be the big open space of grass opposite the Bancroft. That will either (and most likely) more rabbit warren housing, or more gigantic retail buildings which only chain stores can afford.

Personally, I think the damage done to Stratford over the last few years is totally irreversible. The destruction of the Bankcroft was the final straw for me. Increasingly, I just don't want to live here any more, and it's a sentiment many of my friends (the one's who haven't already left) share.

[Dexter]

The fairground wheel isn't going to happen..The planning people in the council rejected it.

With reference to the Bancroft, my sentiments entirely..When the history of Stratford gets updated a brass plaque should be erected at the entrance to the Bancroft "the plaque of shame" with all the names of all the District Councillors who represented Stratford when the decision was taken to destruct the gardens, so all can see for posterity

To my knowledge NOT ONE COUNCILLOR spoke out publically in the meetings or tried to get it stopped..

And as for the idiot "Les" who is in charge of the district council, if even 10% of his utterings as reported in the press are true, with people like this in charge is it any surprise what has happened????

[Will]

The fairground wheel isn't going to happen..The planning people in the council rejected it.

That's at least some sanity at last; I suppose even a broken clock is right twice a day.

While we're on the subject, I also think the new RSC is going to be an eyesore too. Mainly that tower, which just looks like those practise towers you see at fire-stations. The rest of the building is pretty much going to look the same as it did before, with some glass thrown in. When I think of the opportunity wasted here, the 'world class Stratford' lot keep going on about having something in Stratford that will iconic. But no, they knock most of it down to build is back into the same uninspiring giant warehouse that it was before.

Ok, I'm on a full rant now. I just drove past the Maybird center and the boards have come down and we can see what's been built. All they've done is added half a dozen more warehouses on the end of the others (only chain stores will be able to afford these, in fact one has already moved in, like we don't have enough already), and placed about three small building near the road. They look suspiciously like they're only use will be for more fast food restaurants. That mixed with yet more rabbit warrens being build next to them, and the wonderful cheap hotel being built down the road. At least they've planted some trees.

World ass Stratford more like.

[Madhatter]

And here's me thinking it was just North Warwickshire Borough Council that was useless incompetant and idiotic. S Stratford is being neglected too. Where is our council tax going? Cracked pavements, uncleaned streets, unkept grass and gardens that they'd rather get rid of than maintain. Makes me wonder if this is a countrywide problem.

[Sue MDH]

Germaine Greer was not wrong - Stratford is slowly becoming a dump. Why?
Because World Class Stratford is led by Councillors who do not live near or understand why people have been coming to Stratford. They make decisisons based on what they believe are quick wins. You can see all the quick wins around Stratford, from the ruined Bancroft Gardens to the sprawling housing estates. The icing on the cake will be the armies of wheelie bins next month

[Sue MDH]

I have recently become a member of Stratford Voice. These guys get to the bottom of things. The shopping areas are one of their current projects - found out at the AGM. Its worth joining if you believe Stratford is worth saving

[Will]

I personally will have nothing to do with Stratford Voice, I don't easily forgive being treated with so little respect. If they're anything like as badly organised as they were when I dealt with them, and they're Stratford's best hope, the town is doomed.

Regardless of all that, I'm sorry to be so pessimistic but I think the damage is already irreversible - there's nothing left to save. The town I loved and grew up in is a shadow of it's former self, and there's absolutely nothing to keep me there.

[Dexter]

You obviously got messed around with the web site Will ..and there are no excuses for that I agree because I hate being messed about myself..

However at least (web site apart) Stratford Voice is a bunch of people who have actually got off their backsides to try to do something about the decline of Stratford and try to stand up to the in the main idiots on the council who once elected seem to have the micro chip implanted that directs them to ignore all local opinion..

To be honest i'm starting to understand now why things in Stratford are like they are..I suspect years ago when say the Nat Wet building was put up local objections were ignored, the Moat House (a highly attractive building on the banks of the Avon NOT) I suspect the locals objected to that too but were ignored..I do remember the Mulberry Tree Hotel was knocked down as well ...Its all becoming pretty obvious now, councils do what councils want to do and to hell with local opinion

[cathidaw]

madhatter ,
I believe that the councillors in Stratford are the same ones who have moved on from here, (here being Bedworth and Nun. council) leaving a big muddle of unfinished chaos behind them. When it gets so bad. and they think "Duh!! ,now what shall we do" they will move on- with the usual handshake to mess up another town.
Surely there can't be two lots of identical idiots. Or perhaps on reflection there are , Coventry is not far behind .:unsure: :unsure:

[Gladys]

Well it would seem our Council from Hampshire-Havant may have been working in two camps; Warwickshire and Hampshire. You are describing very similar shambles. Is it a spooky coincidence or did they all go to the same 'council school'?:eek:

[Gladys]

I've been thinking back in time to when I visited Stratford several times with my school to see various Shakespear productions. What have they or are they doing with The Globe? I drove past in April and it looked rather like a bomb site. Is it going to be OK? It looked worryingly as though it was being knocked down.Reassurance required.:eek:

[Will]

Do you mean the Shakespeare Theatre Gladys?

[Gladys]

What a relief, I thought you'd all been washed awah! Yes, I think I do mean The Shakespear Theatre. (not completely sure as I was a youngster who was at boarding school and hailed from abroad- of English parentage- well Mother is a New Zealander- does that count?!) But still your council is behaving like a clone of ours. From one from the South- well I'm not origionally but it is home now, I think you have a lovely part of the country to be proud of. I realise the Councils who 'police' it may be a different thing but still, its one of the most beautiful parts of England.:)

[Will]

I know for a fact our council's only interest is in making more money and attracting visitors (which is ironic, because so far their greed has only served to stop people coming) for the town - and lining their own back pockets in the process I imagine. Where as a council's priority should be 'what can we do for the people who live here?'

[Sue MDH]

The planning department do not appear to understand what makes Stratford 'Stratford'. Have you seen the giant plastic Buddah sign on the Laughing Buddah restaurant in Greenhill Street? Seems its got permission so the planners must believe this is World Class. Dont know whether to laugh or cry.
Perhaps they have got Stratford confused with some other town ie Halesowen?

[Gladys]

Is this an attempt at being PC- how sad. Most English asian people will find this stupid.:)

[wheelchair-man]

Stratford Is backwards when it comes to wheelchair access obviously still stuck in the days of old William Shaky cause I couldn't use the toilet in the train station cause there is a step and my chair is electric so I can't do wheelies! No toilet on the train either with wheelchair access! The buses are inaccessible to Alcester aswell and Stagecoach have told me to wait until 2012 at a bus stop! So I won't be visiting Stratford until 2012 and to be honest the community links bus needs 3 days notice, which really upsets me and takes away my freedom to be spontaneous! It cost £19.10 to get a taxi to Alcester and it's only an 8 mile journey, that is the rate the council says the cabs have to charge! I would love all the councilors to end up in a wheelchair cause it could happen to anyone at any time! I think they are motivated for self gain! I suppose the functional aspect of the town is not high on the agenda, they could afford it but hey not if they are selfishly motivated! I'll just pee in public next time!

[RMcGann]

Im currently a student from the University of Birmingham doing research into the tensions between heritage management and the tourist industry. I notice that most of the blogs are from 2006, so I was wondering if opinions are still the same concerning the World Class Stratford Initiative? I've had responses from the council recently and these all seem pretty positive, so was wondering what improvements/drawbacks residents have seen?

I was also looking for opinions on how Stratford is marketed and how authentic you feel the town is as one academic ive come across has described it as 'a three dimensional stage set for tourism', do you agree with these strong views?

Replys would be great

Many Thanks

[Shizara]

In a nut shell, I rarely venture that way. Parking is an issue and the roads are generally congested. Buses aren't something I would use by choice, some of the drivers are like black cab drivers and you have to hold yourself firm in the seat or you bounce over the speed humps and all lean heavily to the side as they take corners. - No thanks.

A shame, because Stratford did have a lot to offer locals and visitors.... But now ...

[cathidaw]

[QUOTE=RMcGann;11111]Im currently a student from the University of Birmingham doing research into the tensions between heritage management and the tourist industry. I notice that most of the blogs are from 2006, so I was wondering if opinions are still the same concerning the World Class Stratford Initiative? I've had responses from the council recently and these all seem pretty positive, so was wondering what improvements/drawbacks residents have seen?

I was also looking for opinions on how Stratford is marketed and how authentic you feel the town is as one academic ive come across has described it as 'a three dimensional st age set for tourism', do you agree with these strong views?



Councils are aways positive,especially to researchers even when things are going badly. They are blind to the realities of their towns. Look at Coventry and their disgraceful pothole problem, which they are always saying is" in hand'. To hear their spiel we are all living in Utopia

[RMcGann]

Thanks for the replys I understand that councils present a different picture and its good to get different opinions. To Lex 'there's a pedestrianisation project starting soon, which'll make things worse', I was wondering in what ways you think this will be worse for the town? And is it right to say that Stratford Voice/Society hold the same views for the majority of residents?

[Will]

Are there any plans to upgrade Stratford railway station?

Well lots of people would like to see the Railway station on the surrounding cattle market turned into a central hub for the trains and buses. It would make a lot of sense, which is probably why it hasn't been considered. Personally I'd like to see this done, and any spare space left turned into grass-lands and trees. Yes completely unprofitable beauty and nature!

But no, I understand that it is going to be (yup you guessed it) more houses.

I also heard there was going to be a Steam Museum built opposite the train station as well. This seemed like a brilliant idea! WHich is also why it probably hasn't happened either.

[Lex]

Stratford District Council is splashing out ANOTHER £90,000 replacing these tacky lights. Why the hell can't they just spend a couple of thousand pounds ripping the damn things up and resurface the bridge, saving the taxpayer a fortune: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/tramway-bridge-re-lit-cost-90000/

[rebbonk]

Looks unfit for purpose. Take the company concerned to task. - Though I do agree it looks very down-market and cheap.

[Lex]

It's what the council do best - cheap gimmicky tat to try and tempt the tourists in.

[rebbonk]

Sadly it doesn't work: as Coventry Council has found out.

I've not been to SOA for quite a while. Maybe a trip next summer?

[Lex]

Frankly, don't bother. The parking's extortionate (that's if you don't get arrested for hitting a tourist who's stepped out into the road without looking/stood in the middle of the road taking a photo), the tourist attractions are a rip off, and the pubs/cafes/restaurants are expensive due to the high rents & rates they have to pay.
Plus there's the increasingly tacky Shakespeare attractions - I was talking to a shopkeeper in town today who had already had enough of the noise created by the Shakespeare Birthplace light show, and it had only been going for 20 minutes!

[rebbonk]

I used to park (free) in one of the back-streets, though I agree about idiot pedestrians that don't look where they're going. As regards the pubs, I learned a long time ago to follow the locals!

I used to run Stratford in with a run into the Cotswold's, usually designed (to Mrs Rebbonk's disgust) with a look around book shops. In fact, I got it so wrong one day, the earache was so deafening, that I forked out over £200 for a sheepskin coat for her. I think she wore it twice before losing weight! Still, it does fit her these days, but she doesn't like it now!