Statement of Concern about changes to town and village centres

An Isle of Wight Society Statement of Concern
Subject - The loss of character and focal points of towns and villages on the Island.

Members of the Society have been observing the development and changes around
 the Island for over forty years. We have reached a point where the cumulative effect
of business and social changes is leading the loss of  focal buildings with traditional
 functions that gave a community its individual character.

The arrival of out-of-town supermarkets with large car parks has had a detrimental
 effect on town centre retail areas. A significant number of churches have been sold
 as the cost of maintenance  rises and the size of congregations decreases. Across
 the country pubs are closing or changing to restaurants. The banks no longer aim to
 impress by using buildings of stature. There are few Town Halls active as part of the
 community. Neither Councillors nor the commercial sector have seen any viability in
 investing in the High Streets to make them attractive places for residents to go about
 their daily business.

So far this is a trend but, especially in the evenings, some town and village centres
 are remarkably quiet. Residents do their own thing and there is little communal
 activity. This gradually leads to a loss of Civic Pride in being part of vibrant
 community. As the ageing population and increase in single parent families leads to
 more residents leading lonely lives, the decline in community spirit will lead to a
 marked decline in the quality of life.

The Society feels that this is a subject that should be considered in depth by
 Councillors and planners so that the trend is considered and appropriate action
 taken. The Society will look at the Core Strategy Plan and Area Action Plans to
 see whether amendments or additions are needed to ensure our Island communities
 are enjoyable places to live in years to come.