Our High Streets are dying..

So with the demise of Poundworld another UK High street chain bites the dust.

Poundworld is no more

UK government at national level appears almost totally focused on our relationship with Europe, the cabinet battles to present a united front and the lives of the UK electorate, sadly are marginal to the political intrigue.


Along with education, jobs and health the general well being of the populace is influenced by the environment both in terms of green spaces and the near legendary 'High Street'.


In London areas of need and comparative deprivation abut areas of wealth - for me Ealing centre remains relatively prosperous but just a few miles down from Ealing West Ealing  is suffering as large retailers have closed and moved - the list is long of shops and restaurants  here are some I recall from the area.




Moved out

Marks and Spencer's, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Curry's, Poundland,WH Smith

Gone for Good

Woolworths, BHS, Rumbelows (remember them) and now Poundworld.

Poundworld closing- Mmany pressures including High Street Rates and Brexit 

That's without banks and Building societies whose business model has resulted in a large scale change in their operation.

Well that's a sad story but West London does have the benefit (economic anyway) just around the corner of Crossrail and the likely effects of Heathrow expansion

Crossrail is bringing money (and flats) to West London

Contrast this with a town like Margate - which really is rather sad.

Part of the problem is the proclivity of Government (National and local) to perhaps without realising starve (if not kill) the Chicken laying the egg (not always golden).

Art Pop Ups can only help

Also the creative industries can help - not only do they help with gentrification they actually make people feel better. 

Let's hope Government refocuses on people and community before the only chain stores left are Primark, Aldi and Lidl.