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/s...ticle_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

[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]

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)

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.