The butchers, bakers and candlestick makers used to have happy homes in our villages and town centres. These days, it’s more difficult to picture a typical high street and some of us wonder: are we losing our sense of community?
Famous for being the birth-place of the only British Pope, Abbots Langley is a little village in north Hertfordshire where some residents are worried their high street is disappearing.
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| DISAPPEARING: Abbots Langley High Street |
Mr Woods says increasing council tax has contributed to the closures and the local authority needs to focus on bringing the community together again.
“The high level of rates has undoubtedly contributed to the closures. Our parish council do what they can but if it wasn’t for the village carnival, we’d have completely lost our community.
“More housing has been built but no doctors, schools, public transport or roads. The simple principle that people need more than just a home is lost on today’s experts in local government,” he added.
Mr Woods says it’s time Abbots’ residents fought to retain their high street or they will face the same battle as neighbouring South Oxhey.
Built 60 years ago, the South Oxhey estate is often forgotten about but The Three Rivers District Council has plans to bring the area up and provide better facilities for residents.
A new group, The South Oxhey Initiative, has been set up by the council to launch a complete overhaul of the area.
The Initiative is involved in 12 months of consultation with residents to agree on the best way to redevelop the facilities.
An open day, held by Watford Rural Parish Council, in September attracted 1,080 residents, businesses and community leaders who voted on redevelopment options.
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| OPEN DAY: Community pulls together to place their votes |
District Council Leader Ann Shaw saw the turnout as encouraging for the Initiative’s plans.
She said: "Even at this early stage, people have strong opinions and important questions.
"The phenomenal attendance must have set a record. It was especially good to see so many young people at the event as the outcome will shape the future of facilities in this area – not just for them but for their children and grandchildren.”
The open day might have set a record but not everyone attended to show their support.
South Oxhey Shopkeepers' Association collected 1,500 signatures on a petition, calling for the retention of locally provided services and retail outlets.
They say all options put to the vote will bring about the closure of 50 of the 71 private shops. They are worried about losing their community and livelihood.
One shopkeeper said: “In none of the plans displayed do Three Rivers show what facilities will be available if they go ahead. I believe this is because they need a large supermarket onboard.
“For us personally there is no guarantee we will be granted a lease despite having been a tenant since the 1960s. Why haven’t the council thought about us?”
He says the area will be dominated by a large supermarket able to price fix, leaving locals with no choice in how much they pay for their essentials.
“The community spirit and successful relationship between shopkeepers and South Oxhey residents will be destroyed,” he added.
Councillor Kevin Snow admitted it is difficult to support small businesses.
He said: “We will slowly put up rent in the precinct, meaning there will be fewer shops over time, because it’s not commercially viable to support private businesses.
“Redevelopment is the best way to strengthen the retail environment. It’s for the community to decide and they shouldn't be put under pressure by shopkeepers.”
Residents filled out nearly 400 comment forms raising concerns about redevelopment. Some argued existing shops should be re-provided and said they want a sense of community retained, support for transport and parking and more affordable housing.
In a Watford Rural Local Area Forum on 14th November, South Oxhey Initiative’s Alan Head discussed the open day, hoping to put residents’ minds at rest.
He said: “So far, no decision has been reached on any specific development scheme. It will depend on the conclusion of the consultation process.”
He said the open day revealed nearly equal levels of objection and support for a supermarket, 38% support for complete refurbishment and 29% support for some redevelopment but more than twice as many votes for retaining existing shops.
He said there were: “obvious instances of misfortune and voting irregularities.”
With a situation like this occurring next door, many Abbots villagers feel lucky to have their eroding high street, little post office and annual carnivals.
Victoria Caplan, Bagheera of Abbots Langley Scout Group, said: “I’ve seen many of our shops close but the thought of a whole high street being swept away at once is terrifying. I feel for people in Oxhey and hope the locals pull together.”
A battle has begun between the community and the council. Who will win? In this 12 month process, only time will tell.
