Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

steve2470

(37,461 posts)
Thu May 31, 2018, 07:30 AM May 2018

In Britain, Austerity Is Changing Everything

My dear UK DU'ers, I knew things were bad, but not THIS bad. This is a very good article.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/28/world/europe/uk-austerity-poverty.html

PRESCOT, England — A walk through this modest town in the northwest of England amounts to a tour of the casualties of Britain’s age of austerity.

The old library building has been sold and refashioned into a glass-fronted luxury home. The leisure center has been razed, eliminating the public swimming pool. The local museum has receded into town history. The police station has been shuttered.

Now, as the local government desperately seeks to turn assets into cash, Browns Field, a lush park in the center of town, may be doomed, too. At a meeting in November, the council included it on a list of 17 parks to sell to developers.

“Everybody uses this park,” says Jackie Lewis, who raised two children in a red brick house a block away. “This is probably our last piece of community space. It’s been one after the other. You just end up despondent.”

much much more at the link

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
In Britain, Austerity Is Changing Everything (Original Post) steve2470 May 2018 OP
Next year -- coming to 'merica. 3Hotdogs May 2018 #1
Latest Discussions»Region Forums»United Kingdom»In Britain, Austerity Is ...