Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
Jul 30th 2013, 2:19 pm
#256
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Joined: Feb 2011
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 983
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
I realise that this is not really the subject of this thread but this is so true. It drives me freaking mad that people can't recognise that choosing to buy something online or at a giant Tesco extra for the sake of saving a few pennies or because they prefer the convenience of having it home delivered is killing the high street. Yes, there are other things contributing to this; parking is a big one.
The thought of a day when I can only buy something from Tesco or Amazon gives me the heebie-jeebies.
The thought of a day when I can only buy something from Tesco or Amazon gives me the heebie-jeebies.
Mr J and I, when in the US would have a snigger at "strip malls", soulless conglomerations of shops. We would visit old town centres which were historic and dead, like something out of a sci-fi novel. We would bemoan the loss of a lovely town centre to walk round and pick up this and that. Yet, here I am, back in the UK, the loveliest town centre on my doorstep and I still go off and do all my shopping at the supermarket on the outskirts with the big car park! Did I learn nothing?
Jul 30th 2013, 3:13 pm
#257
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,197
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
You are so right,but I am a self confessed hypocrite!
Mr J and I, when in the US would have a snigger at "strip malls", soulless conglomerations of shops. We would visit old town centres which were historic and dead, like something out of a sci-fi novel. We would bemoan the loss of a lovely town centre to walk round and pick up this and that. Yet, here I am, back in the UK, the loveliest town centre on my doorstep and I still go off and do all my shopping at the supermarket on the outskirts with the big car park! Did I learn nothing?
Mr J and I, when in the US would have a snigger at "strip malls", soulless conglomerations of shops. We would visit old town centres which were historic and dead, like something out of a sci-fi novel. We would bemoan the loss of a lovely town centre to walk round and pick up this and that. Yet, here I am, back in the UK, the loveliest town centre on my doorstep and I still go off and do all my shopping at the supermarket on the outskirts with the big car park! Did I learn nothing?
DH and I are not even sure that when in the UK we will have a car. At any rate we are determined to do our shopping in the smaller high street shops and supermarkets. A pull-along shopping trolley can be very helpful here!
As you say, so many USA town centres are dead. We can't let that happen in the UK. It would be tragic. Some towns are struggling as it is.
Jul 30th 2013, 5:22 pm
#258
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Joined: Jan 2008
Location: The Charente - still smiling.
Posts: 2,624
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
I have just heard this on the news, so perhaps worth a look at
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-meth...ing/index.html
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-meth...ing/index.html
Jul 30th 2013, 6:29 pm
#259
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 175
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
Frank and interesting admission, Jemima!
DH and I are not even sure that when in the UK we will have a car. At any rate we are determined to do our shopping in the smaller high street shops and supermarkets. A pull-along shopping trolley can be very helpful here!
As you say, so many USA town centres are dead. We can't let that happen in the UK. It would be tragic. Some towns are struggling as it is.
DH and I are not even sure that when in the UK we will have a car. At any rate we are determined to do our shopping in the smaller high street shops and supermarkets. A pull-along shopping trolley can be very helpful here!
As you say, so many USA town centres are dead. We can't let that happen in the UK. It would be tragic. Some towns are struggling as it is.
Jul 31st 2013, 8:08 am
#260
Banned
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: The REAL Utopia.
Posts: 9,910
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
Isn't it the same everywhere though? It's the same in France. Our small village used to have 11 bars, when we moved here - 2, now it has one. It lost a small shop and gained another with a gap in between the two. The commune has tried to encourage a doctor to take up residence to no avail. That's what it needs though - subsidies, a few people supporting local business won't make it last, it needs subsidising & council help, but there's no money in that is there? There's no money in a local business when supermarkets can undercut by so much. Eventually the shopping malls won't be viable because of online shopping, then there'll be room for the small shops again
Jul 31st 2013, 10:46 am
#261
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 862
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
Tonight I look forward to watching a programme called "Pensioners Behind Bars" (No not those Bars you fool!).
The blurb is that 'there is a grey crime wave sweeping the UK'.
NOW I understand why seniors are returning, you're embracing the gang culture aren't you?
I am going to have to rethink my plans.
My idea for a small business "Geriatric Whores" has been shelved. I have no wish to spend my remaining years in pokey.
The blurb is that 'there is a grey crime wave sweeping the UK'.
NOW I understand why seniors are returning, you're embracing the gang culture aren't you?
I am going to have to rethink my plans.
My idea for a small business "Geriatric Whores" has been shelved. I have no wish to spend my remaining years in pokey.
Jul 31st 2013, 3:56 pm
#262
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Joined: Feb 2011
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 983
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
Damn, no hope of a job there, then!
Jul 31st 2013, 8:13 pm
#264
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Joined: Feb 2011
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 983
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
I'll see if I can fit in around the lap dancing!
Aug 1st 2013, 12:48 am
#265
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 8,080
Aug 1st 2013, 10:39 am
#266
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Joined: Feb 2011
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 983
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
Apologies, I think we've gone off topic (slinks quietly away into the distance!)
Aug 1st 2013, 10:45 am
#267
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,010
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
Yes we have detracted from the serious business of presenting the evidence for and against the essay topic. "The UK is going to the dogs" - discuss.
Aug 1st 2013, 11:04 am
#268
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Joined: Feb 2011
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 983
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
Oh well, it was worth it then. Woof, woof!
Aug 1st 2013, 3:34 pm
#269
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Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Up on the Ranches not down on the Springs
Posts: 2,109
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
and don't get a job as a dinner lady unless you can remember the dietary requirements of 300 odd kids
Aug 1st 2013, 4:38 pm
#270
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Joined: Feb 2011
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 983
Re: Is the situation in the UK really that bad?
Dinner lady? That's a novel suggestion!