Almost 90 per cent of people in Britain live in an urban environment1. The recent increased presence of country issues in the news – fox-hunting, the BSE crisis, foot and mouth – has given the impression that Britons have a predominantly rural outlook. No doubt, most Britons like ‘escaping’ to the countryside, however, the great majority of their time is spent in towns and cities.
I bring up this topic because when the environment is discussed it always appears to be in terms of the countryside. What about urban areas? When I lived in Bayswater the close proximity of Hyde Park was invaluable. It was an oasis of breathable air, often a place of relative tranquility.
And it is not just about air and green space. A pleasant environment also involves removing the fear of crime. A good friend of mine who lives in Maida Vale cites ‘petty crime’ as his biggest daily concern. He said it with a mixture of frustration and fear. A man recently approached him and aggressively challenged him, demanding his mobile phone. Why should he have to walk to and from ‘Costcutter Corner’ thinking he might be mugged?
The Conservative Party has a predominantly rural base. That should be cherished. The wonderful British countryside should be protected. What should not be forgotten, however, is that the great majority of Britons live in cities and towns. Their environment is just as important.
