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

[Will]

Originally Posted by Dexter

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 .

[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'?

[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.

[Will]

Do you mean the Shakespeare Theatre Gladys?