Topic ID 3012
I was a little shocked to see a letter-writer in The Mercury today who seemed to be seriously suggesting that in an attempt to revive Hertford's trade: "consideration should perhaps be given to a possible extention of the Bircherley Green concept right round the corner to include Maidenhead Street, which in turn could be modernised and covered in". The correspondent, Brenda Good of Ware Road, also goes on to compare Hertford with towns like Enfield and Stevenage, apparently suggesting that Hertford should follow the same route to compete. Her letter suggests to me that she has little time for the character of the town centre and advocates following places like Bishops Stortford, which "is being turned into a modern and most pleasurable place to shop with a new large shopping mall". I wonder how widespread this view is?
Reply ID 43431
Did you notice that her comments regarding the "hideous" fountain outside the White Hart were wrongly attributed to the writer of the following letter in the caption to the accompanying photograph? Somewhat ironic really given that the following letter was very positive in it's praise of the Churches Together events held in Hertford recently.
Reply ID 43432
Me thinks she is not a "local" girl and has no feeling for "our" towns history. What would Peter Ruffles and the Civic Socety say, they had enough trouble keeping parts of Hertford when it was built originally, don't think they want to go through that again.
Reply ID 43434
quote:Fully agree with you there Steve. Made me quite angry when I read it as the overriding impression I got was that she wanted Hertford to become yet another faceless, soulless, modern cloned town centre. She showed no appreciation of character etc. and I thought she was unfairly critical of Sloop too. Interesting to see next week's replies.
Originally posted by Steve
I was a little shocked to see a letter-writer in The Mercury today who seemed to be seriously suggesting that in an attempt to revive Hertford's trade: "consideration should perhaps be given to a possible extention of the Bircherley Green concept right round the corner to include Maidenhead Street, which in turn could be modernised and covered in". The correspondent, Brenda Good of Ware Road, also goes on to compare Hertford with towns like Enfield and Stevenage, apparently suggesting that Hertford should follow the same route to compete. Her letter suggests to me that she has little time for the character of the town centre and advocates following places like Bishops Stortford, which "is being turned into a modern and most pleasurable place to shop with a new large shopping mall". I wonder how widespread this views is?
Reply ID 43439
Bircherley Green....second only to Gascoyne Way in planning disasters to have been thrust upon Hertford. Rather than extend it, my preference would be to demolish it and start again, as part of any 'regeneration' plan for Hertford. I was in the Museum this afternoon and studying the photo on the wall in the stairwell of Hertford in 1964 - prior to Gascoyne Way. It makes you want to weep, really, to think that someone thought it might be a good idea to cut a town in half with a dual carriage way. We still look to ruin the character of the town - rather than retain and/or enhance it - by developments such as the new flats on Cowbridge, Bircherly Green and out of character office blocks. There is a lot of very good building and development work done in and around Hertford but the planners and the council must take responsibility for some terrible buildings that just don't fit in.
Reply ID 43446
Ebeneza flats for a start, what an eyesore!!
Reply ID 43447
If she doesn't like it, then she should 'butt out' There maybe issues with the Town but does anyone really want what she is suggesting?
Reply ID 43450
Why dosen't Brenda Good of Ware Road go and live in these places she is fondly talks of!! and leave us to Hertford the way it is!! I love it - I have freinds who live in Bishop's Stortford and say it's going the same way as Harlow - God forbid!!
Reply ID 43453
I was born and raised in Enfield which has a long and varied History that can equal Hertford's. However, Hertford wears its history on its sleeve - by which I mean, when you walk into Hertford you are surrounded by its past, the medieval street plan, the variety of buildings that were built at anytime from the 15th to the 21st century... Meanwhile, Enfield's history is gradually being concreted over leaving little clues to its past. The latest development in Enfield town is a bland, soul-less mess that could have been built anywhere in any other town - although I have to say that it reminds me of a mini Wood Green, which is not much of a compliment. Over the past twenty years there has been a history in Enfield of old buildings, some of them listed being either burned down in mysterious circumstances or demolished 'accidentally', as happened to one 19th century pub which was pulled down by developers on the same morning that English Heritage were due to visit to assess whether it should be protected under a Grade II listing - all this in the name of progress. If Hertford is turned into another Enfield it will lose far more than it could ever gain, and once it's gone you won't get it back. Hertford may not be to everyone's taste but I love it and that's why I moved here.
Reply ID 43459
I must agreee with her comments about the fountain!!! Its a complete mess and was from the day it was installed. For a start I thought a fountain was supposed to spray water upwards, and besides it is almost never switched on. Smash it to the ground and put a proper one in! [}:)]
Reply ID 43463
quote:So you can only find a reason to agree with this wretched woman, rather than a multitude of reasons not to agree with her! That is quite saddening given the overwhelming opposition to her suggestion that we should become another Harlow!
Originally posted by DCI monkfish
I must agreee with her comments about the fountain!!! Its a complete mess and was from the day it was installed. For a start I thought a fountain was supposed to spray water upwards, and besides it is almost never switched on. Smash it to the ground and put a proper one in! [}:)]
Reply ID 43465
quote:That is besides my point. Are you saying that the fountain is good? I don't have to repeat what everyone else has written in the thread before voicing an opinion do I.
Originally posted by Aelle So you can only find a reason to agree with this wretched woman, rather than a multitude of reasons not to agree with her! That is quite saddening given the overwhelming opposition to her suggestion that we should become another Harlow!
Reply ID 43466
For what it's worth, the fountain is the responsibility of Hertford Civic Society, who put it there in the first place and are responsible for it's maintenance. From what I know, they are well aware of it's reputation and somewhat embarrassed by it. It came about after they were left a sum of money in a will to install a focal point in the town.
Reply ID 43471
quote:Sorry DCI, no offence intended. Its just that I was rather angered when I read THAT letter and anything that I saw remotely supporting it hit a bit of a sore point. No, I don't believe that the fountain is a highlight of the town centre, though a working fountain in that location may be a little more aesthetically pleasing. And no you certainly don't have to repeat what everyone else has written. I think this is one of those threads where just about everyone is in agreement.
Originally posted by DCI monkfishquote:That is besides my point. Are you saying that the fountain is good? I don't have to repeat what everyone else has written in the thread before voicing an opinion do I.
Originally posted by Aelle So you can only find a reason to agree with this wretched woman, rather than a multitude of reasons not to agree with her! That is quite saddening given the overwhelming opposition to her suggestion that we should become another Harlow!
Reply ID 43474
quote:Why don't they do the sensible thing and admit it's an eyesore and in the wrong position. They should move it to the castle grounds so the Town Council can maintain it with their beautifully manicured gardens!
Originally posted by Steve
For what it's worth, the fountain is the responsibility of Hertford Civic Society, who put it there in the first place and are responsible for it's maintenance. From what I know, they are well aware of it's reputation and somewhat embarrassed by it. It came about after they were left a sum of money in a will to install a focal point in the town.
Reply ID 43481
Back to the point of extending Bircherley Green... For those of us old enough to remember the covered market where Barclays and other shops such as Lanes Estate Agents are now.. it was hideous then. Nobody shopped there and Bircherley Green conceived. I have no problem with my town. I was merrily using the Farmers Market on Saturday and walking in the sunshine.. bliss.. Sat on the bench outside Cafe Nero and smelt the fabby aroma of freshly baked bread from the stall there... I for one get sick and tired of busy bodies, justifying their job/salary and inflicting their ill-informed ideas and schemes. If it aint broke, don't fix it and leave my lovely town alone.. There are some lovely shops around that corner and leading up to Maidenhead street and I don't want a covered eyesore.. Where will the Claydon Fish van go???? Leave it alone... ![}:)]
Reply ID 43482
Here, here! totally agree with DQ, leave Hertford alone please! go mess up some other places.
Reply ID 43483
I think it was Johnny Cash who sang - 'you've been reading my mail'. Have to reply to this letter so hope none of you offended if you think I have copied your thoughts. Nice to know that so many of you think the same way.
Reply ID 43485
The volume of flats alone are starting to turn the town into New Enfield.
Reply ID 43489
Oh please - extend Bircherley Green? Cover Maidenhead Street? Go the way of Enfield and others? Why not go the whole hog and let's have Hertford's equivalent of Wood Green Shopping City! Let's leave the style and character of Hertford alone simply because it has more style and character than most of the so-called shoppers' paradises put together. But I DO agree with the comments regarding that eysore of a fountain....
Reply ID 43499
I actually quite like the fountain (when it's working that is). I must have bad taste!
Reply ID 43505
quote:I must have the bad taste aswell - Didn't like to say but I think it's OK
Originally posted by aubend
I actually quite like the fountain (when it's working that is). I must have bad taste!
Reply ID 43512
I agree that Hertford can't stand still but I don't think that turning the town centre into a clone of Stevenage is the way forward. I quite like the fountain, but it is generally in a sorry state
Reply ID 43525
Am I not right in thinking that most of our paved over concrete towns ie: Harlow and Stevenage are desperately trying to undo the bad work, cos of crime??? Have they not listened? These town centres apparently would give their right arm to be like us. I too like the fountain, its the pigeons I hate.. I think they are smelly and don't want poo on my head!!!! Send in the kestrals please!!!!
Reply ID 43655
quote:Peregrine Falcons for pidgeons. Despite being built like Bernard Manning, pidgeons can fly at 100KPH (would have thought[:0])and Falcons are built specifically to catch 'em.[}:)] Otherwise, a good air rifle (of the type needing a permit) does the trick. I agree with many of the posts here. Bircherly green is out of character as it stands and needs no extension.
Originally posted by Drama Queen
Am I not right in thinking that most of our paved over concrete towns ie: Harlow and Stevenage are desperately trying to undo the bad work, cos of crime??? Have they not listened? These town centres apparently would give their right arm to be like us. I too like the fountain, its the pigeons I hate.. I think they are smelly and don't want poo on my head!!!! Send in the kestrals please!!!!
Reply ID 45035
Only this weekend I spent £125 on clothes in one of these 'clone stores'. Now is there anywhere in Hertford that I would spend that amount of money on clothes? No. I suspect the vast majority of you are afraid of what these clone stores would bring to Hertford - real competition. I suspect the vast majority of people in Hertford don't shop for many major items in Hertford such as clothes, and that they do indeed travel to these 'clone shops' in 'clone towns' to do so. Don't get me wrong, I do like how Hertford is. I just don't think you should look at the situation through rose-coloured glasses.
Reply ID 45040
I'm sure many Hertford residents shop in places like Stevenage and Harlow. These towns have their place and provide a retail environment that is popular. But is this what we want Hertford to become? Indeed, is it viable that we compete on the same terms as nearby "new towns"? Personally, I would be horrified if Hertford were to attempt to become another faceless retail centre. I would far prefer that it exploit it's historic market town qualities and differentiate itself from it's neighbours.
Reply ID 45041
Agreed Steve. We all have to shop in Stevenage and Harlow now and again but I bet most of my Xmas presents are bought in Hertford because it is DIFFERENT. Don't change what aint Mr Brockman.
Reply ID 45047
I, like Wrapper, have lived here all my life in Hertford, I think it has a good mix of shops, if I want chain stores, all the same, mass produced merchandise I go further afield, NO leave Hertford the way it is, let's dare to be different, that's why people pay top prices to live in this area! there are not too many towns like ours left, I shudder when I look at what they have done to date, especially building far too many properties in such a confined space, ruined a once peaceful market town.
Reply ID 45049
quote:In some ways the develelopers are restoring Hertford to as it was. Many of the spaces and gardens in Hertford were crowded yards, packed with tiny hovels.
Originally posted by furrybunny
I, like Wrapper, have lived here all my life in Hertford, I think it has a good mix of shops, if I want chain stores, all the same, mass produced merchandise I go further afield, NO leave Hertford the way it is, let's dare to be different, that's why people pay top prices to live in this area! there are not too many towns like ours left, I shudder when I look at what they have done to date, especially building far too many properties in such a confined space, ruined a once peaceful market town.
Reply ID 45052
quote:Well, people regularly spend that much in my shop on a weekly basis, as they don't want to buy clone clothes, from clone stores, from clone towns. Hertford has a wonderful mix of shops, pretty much catering for everyone's needs. Look and ye shall find - maybe you haven't really explored the retail offer in Hertford properly! I for one do not want Hertford to be awash with chain stores. It is a beautiful market town, with a unique character, and this is why we live and work here
Originally posted by Brockman
Only this weekend I spent £125 on clothes in one of these 'clone stores'. Now is there anywhere in Hertford that I would spend that amount of money on clothes? No. I suspect the vast majority of you are afraid of what these clone stores would bring to Hertford - real competition. I suspect the vast majority of people in Hertford don't shop for many major items in Hertford such as clothes, and that they do indeed travel to these 'clone shops' in 'clone towns' to do so. Don't get me wrong, I do like how Hertford is. I just don't think you should look at the situation through rose-coloured glasses.
Reply ID 45053
quote:Clone shops create clone towns. If I want the clone shopping experience I go to a clone town and shop there. When I don't, and that is the majority of the time, I shop in Hertford.
Originally posted by Brockman
Only this weekend I spent £125 on clothes in one of these 'clone stores'. Now is there anywhere in Hertford that I would spend that amount of money on clothes? No. I suspect the vast majority of you are afraid of what these clone stores would bring to Hertford - real competition. I suspect the vast majority of people in Hertford don't shop for many major items in Hertford such as clothes, and that they do indeed travel to these 'clone shops' in 'clone towns' to do so. Don't get me wrong, I do like how Hertford is. I just don't think you should look at the situation through rose-coloured glasses.
Reply ID 45054
quote:Oh and by the way, I quite regularly spend £125 or more on clothes at Roberto Gerrard's in Hertford[:o)][:o)][:o)]
Originally posted by Brockman
Only this weekend I spent £125 on clothes in one of these 'clone stores'. Now is there anywhere in Hertford that I would spend that amount of money on clothes? No. I suspect the vast majority of you are afraid of what these clone stores would bring to Hertford - real competition. I suspect the vast majority of people in Hertford don't shop for many major items in Hertford such as clothes, and that they do indeed travel to these 'clone shops' in 'clone towns' to do so. Don't get me wrong, I do like how Hertford is. I just don't think you should look at the situation through rose-coloured glasses.
Reply ID 45059
quote:Blimey! £125? That's at least two pairs of socks or one sleeve of a jacket at Hertford prices.[:D] Such extravagance!
Originally posted by Wrapperquote:Oh and by the way, I quite regularly spend £125 or more on clothes at Roberto Gerrard's in Hertford[:o)][:o)][:o)]
Originally posted by Brockman
Only this weekend I spent £125 on clothes in one of these 'clone stores'. Now is there anywhere in Hertford that I would spend that amount of money on clothes? No. I suspect the vast majority of you are afraid of what these clone stores would bring to Hertford - real competition. I suspect the vast majority of people in Hertford don't shop for many major items in Hertford such as clothes, and that they do indeed travel to these 'clone shops' in 'clone towns' to do so. Don't get me wrong, I do like how Hertford is. I just don't think you should look at the situation through rose-coloured glasses.
Reply ID 45060
£125? That's a whole new wardrobe from Matalan for me!
Reply ID 45067
quote:Do we? I cannot remember the last time I shopped in either of those horrid places. Oh! I lie, PC World in an urgent attempt to replace my deceased laptop. Didn't go alone though
Originally posted by Wrapper
Agreed Steve. We all have to shop in Stevenage and Harlow now and again but I bet most of my Xmas presents are bought in Hertford because it is DIFFERENT. Don't change what aint Mr Brockman.
Reply ID 45068
quote:I too will buy most of my Xmas presents in Hertford - probably on Xmas Eve if last year's anything to go by. Having said that, I was able to get everything I wanted last year, and have time for a small libation when I'd finished. Much nicer than battling the crowds in St Evenage or Harlow!
Originally posted by Wrapper
Agreed Steve. We all have to shop in Stevenage and Harlow now and again but I bet most of my Xmas presents are bought in Hertford because it is DIFFERENT. Don't change what aint Mr Brockman.
Reply ID 45071
quote:Oh don't get me wrong. I'll probably do a little here too, for that unique present (which is something Hertford excels at). The only problem is that it is either expensive or impossible to get certain 'mainstream' gifts in the town, something that I'm sure you can appreciate.
Originally posted by Deverauxquote:I too will buy most of my Xmas presents in Hertford - probably on Xmas Eve if last year's anything to go by. Having said that, I was able to get everything I wanted last year, and have time for a small libation when I'd finished. Much nicer than battling the crowds in St Evenage or Harlow!
Originally posted by Wrapper
Agreed Steve. We all have to shop in Stevenage and Harlow now and again but I bet most of my Xmas presents are bought in Hertford because it is DIFFERENT. Don't change what aint Mr Brockman.
Reply ID 45072
quote:But you're adequately served by the clone towns with their clone shops just a short drive away. Seems like there's no problem here at all.
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:Oh don't get me wrong. I'll probably do a little here too, for that unique present (which is something Hertford excels at). The only problem is that it is either expensive or impossible to get certain 'mainstream' gifts in the town, something that I'm sure you can appreciate.
Originally posted by Deverauxquote:I too will buy most of my Xmas presents in Hertford - probably on Xmas Eve if last year's anything to go by. Having said that, I was able to get everything I wanted last year, and have time for a small libation when I'd finished. Much nicer than battling the crowds in St Evenage or Harlow!
Originally posted by Wrapper
Agreed Steve. We all have to shop in Stevenage and Harlow now and again but I bet most of my Xmas presents are bought in Hertford because it is DIFFERENT. Don't change what aint Mr Brockman.
Reply ID 45075
quote:Tell us what it is you want to buy and I bet the retailers of Hertford can source it for you[:)]
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:Oh don't get me wrong. I'll probably do a little here too, for that unique present (which is something Hertford excels at). The only problem is that it is either expensive or impossible to get certain 'mainstream' gifts in the town, something that I'm sure you can appreciate.
Originally posted by Deverauxquote:I too will buy most of my Xmas presents in Hertford - probably on Xmas Eve if last year's anything to go by. Having said that, I was able to get everything I wanted last year, and have time for a small libation when I'd finished. Much nicer than battling the crowds in St Evenage or Harlow!
Originally posted by Wrapper
Agreed Steve. We all have to shop in Stevenage and Harlow now and again but I bet most of my Xmas presents are bought in Hertford because it is DIFFERENT. Don't change what aint Mr Brockman.
Reply ID 45077
quote:Oh I'm sure they can source it; but it's probably going to be cheaper from the 'clone stores'. I don't get paid enough to be able to think about supporting local firms - the cost is more important for me which I wish wasn't the case, but I have to face reality. I'm not the type of person to brush aside the notion that they might not be more expensive - I'll of course ask but I don't expect the news that they're cheaper...
Originally posted by Kitty Katquote:Tell us what it is you want to buy and I bet the retailers of Hertford can source it for you[:)]
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:Oh don't get me wrong. I'll probably do a little here too, for that unique present (which is something Hertford excels at). The only problem is that it is either expensive or impossible to get certain 'mainstream' gifts in the town, something that I'm sure you can appreciate.
Originally posted by Deverauxquote:I too will buy most of my Xmas presents in Hertford - probably on Xmas Eve if last year's anything to go by. Having said that, I was able to get everything I wanted last year, and have time for a small libation when I'd finished. Much nicer than battling the crowds in St Evenage or Harlow!
Originally posted by Wrapper
Agreed Steve. We all have to shop in Stevenage and Harlow now and again but I bet most of my Xmas presents are bought in Hertford because it is DIFFERENT. Don't change what aint Mr Brockman.
Reply ID 45081
quote:Shunt, do you really want to back to that? having back to back housing, I can remember Baker street it was the pits!!!
Originally posted by shuntquote:In some ways the develelopers are restoring Hertford to as it was. Many of the spaces and gardens in Hertford were crowded yards, packed with tiny hovels.
Originally posted by furrybunny
I, like Wrapper, have lived here all my life in Hertford, I think it has a good mix of shops, if I want chain stores, all the same, mass produced merchandise I go further afield, NO leave Hertford the way it is, let's dare to be different, that's why people pay top prices to live in this area! there are not too many towns like ours left, I shudder when I look at what they have done to date, especially building far too many properties in such a confined space, ruined a once peaceful market town.
Reply ID 45085
We will also have our new Bookshop aswell for more choice.
Reply ID 45093
quote:Of course not. I was just amused by the irony of conservationist activity. Since only 4% of britain is currently developed and only 1% is housing, there are other solutions.
Originally posted by furrybunnyquote:Shunt, do you really want to back to that? having back to back housing, I can remember Baker street it was the pits!!!
Originally posted by shuntquote:In some ways the develelopers are restoring Hertford to as it was. Many of the spaces and gardens in Hertford were crowded yards, packed with tiny hovels.
Originally posted by furrybunny
I, like Wrapper, have lived here all my life in Hertford, I think it has a good mix of shops, if I want chain stores, all the same, mass produced merchandise I go further afield, NO leave Hertford the way it is, let's dare to be different, that's why people pay top prices to live in this area! there are not too many towns like ours left, I shudder when I look at what they have done to date, especially building far too many properties in such a confined space, ruined a once peaceful market town.
Reply ID 45099
quote:Oh dear Shunt! you are a percentage man aghhhhhhhhhh[:0]
Originally posted by Tigger
We will also have our new Bookshop aswell for more choice.
Reply ID 45152
quote:Not quite clone stores (by the definitions I'm assuming from the posts)but Albany & East Herts Electric (plus I suspect others ) will match any price by the big boys - only thing you may not get arethe finance "interest free" options that that Currys et al will try to get you through their doors.
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:Oh I'm sure they can source it; but it's probably going to be cheaper from the 'clone stores'. I don't get paid enough to be able to think about supporting local firms - the cost is more important for me which I wish wasn't the case, but I have to face reality. I'm not the type of person to brush aside the notion that they might not be more expensive - I'll of course ask but I don't expect the news that they're cheaper...
Originally posted by Kitty Katquote:Tell us what it is you want to buy and I bet the retailers of Hertford can source it for you[:)]
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:Oh don't get me wrong. I'll probably do a little here too, for that unique present (which is something Hertford excels at). The only problem is that it is either expensive or impossible to get certain 'mainstream' gifts in the town, something that I'm sure you can appreciate.
Originally posted by Deverauxquote:I too will buy most of my Xmas presents in Hertford - probably on Xmas Eve if last year's anything to go by. Having said that, I was able to get everything I wanted last year, and have time for a small libation when I'd finished. Much nicer than battling the crowds in St Evenage or Harlow!
Originally posted by Wrapper
Agreed Steve. We all have to shop in Stevenage and Harlow now and again but I bet most of my Xmas presents are bought in Hertford because it is DIFFERENT. Don't change what aint Mr Brockman.
Reply ID 45153
quote:And of course, studies show that 78.55% of statistics are in fact made up....[:D]
Originally posted by shuntquote:Of course not. I was just amused by the irony of conservationist activity. Since only 4% of britain is currently developed and only 1% is housing, there are other solutions.
Originally posted by furrybunnyquote:Shunt, do you really want to back to that? having back to back housing, I can remember Baker street it was the pits!!!
Originally posted by shuntquote:In some ways the develelopers are restoring Hertford to as it was. Many of the spaces and gardens in Hertford were crowded yards, packed with tiny hovels.
Originally posted by furrybunny
I, like Wrapper, have lived here all my life in Hertford, I think it has a good mix of shops, if I want chain stores, all the same, mass produced merchandise I go further afield, NO leave Hertford the way it is, let's dare to be different, that's why people pay top prices to live in this area! there are not too many towns like ours left, I shudder when I look at what they have done to date, especially building far too many properties in such a confined space, ruined a once peaceful market town.
Reply ID 45165
quote:Yep, you can make statistics mean whatever you like, but in this case it's easy to confirm. Go past the mini roundabout at the end of Bengeo St and divide just what you can see into building plots of 1/6th of an acre. Then take into account that the density varies little, all the way to Bishop's Stortford. You can play the same game on the train from Hertford to Cuffley, or Hertford to Cambridge. Overpopulated South of England, my a**e!,
Originally posted by Capitalist pigletquote:And of course, studies show that 78.55% of statistics are in fact made up....[:D]
Originally posted by shuntquote:Of course not. I was just amused by the irony of conservationist activity. Since only 4% of britain is currently developed and only 1% is housing, there are other solutions.
Originally posted by furrybunnyquote:Shunt, do you really want to back to that? having back to back housing, I can remember Baker street it was the pits!!!
Originally posted by shuntquote:In some ways the develelopers are restoring Hertford to as it was. Many of the spaces and gardens in Hertford were crowded yards, packed with tiny hovels.
Originally posted by furrybunny
I, like Wrapper, have lived here all my life in Hertford, I think it has a good mix of shops, if I want chain stores, all the same, mass produced merchandise I go further afield, NO leave Hertford the way it is, let's dare to be different, that's why people pay top prices to live in this area! there are not too many towns like ours left, I shudder when I look at what they have done to date, especially building far too many properties in such a confined space, ruined a once peaceful market town.
Reply ID 45172
quote:Over-population is not measured solely by how much land has been developed. There is a good description of 'over-population' on Wikipedia...... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-population
Originally posted by shuntquote:Yep, you can make statistics mean whatever you like, but in this case it's easy to confirm. Go past the mini roundabout at the end of Bengeo St and divide just what you can see into building plots of 1/6th of an acre. Then take into account that the density varies little, all the way to Bishop's Stortford. You can play the same game on the train from Hertford to Cuffley, or Hertford to Cambridge. Overpopulated South of England, my a**e!,
Originally posted by Capitalist pigletquote:And of course, studies show that 78.55% of statistics are in fact made up....[:D]
Originally posted by shuntquote:Of course not. I was just amused by the irony of conservationist activity. Since only 4% of britain is currently developed and only 1% is housing, there are other solutions.
Originally posted by furrybunnyquote:Shunt, do you really want to back to that? having back to back housing, I can remember Baker street it was the pits!!!
Originally posted by shuntquote:In some ways the develelopers are restoring Hertford to as it was. Many of the spaces and gardens in Hertford were crowded yards, packed with tiny hovels.
Originally posted by furrybunny
I, like Wrapper, have lived here all my life in Hertford, I think it has a good mix of shops, if I want chain stores, all the same, mass produced merchandise I go further afield, NO leave Hertford the way it is, let's dare to be different, that's why people pay top prices to live in this area! there are not too many towns like ours left, I shudder when I look at what they have done to date, especially building far too many properties in such a confined space, ruined a once peaceful market town.
Reply ID 45176
quote:On the other hand, we are hardly just barely scratching a living from a desert here. My point was that we live in towns, all crammed together, becuse we like it that way and it makes economic sense. We are not compelled to do so by shortage of space. Likewise, we like our town center to be the way it is. Otherwise, we'd have chosen a different town and possibly a cheaper one. You can't have all the attributes of Stevenage and Hertford in one town and the density and confined character of Hertford is both historic and convenient.
Over-population is not measured solely by how much land has been developed. There is a good description of 'over-population' on Wikipedia...... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-population
Reply ID 45186
quote:We're not all here by choice; for some it is necessity. I don't have a car and traveling into work by train would be too expensive.
Originally posted by shuntquote:On the other hand, we are hardly just barely scratching a living from a desert here. My point was that we live in towns, all crammed together, becuse we like it that way and it makes economic sense. We are not compelled to do so by shortage of space. Likewise, we like our town center to be the way it is. Otherwise, we'd have chosen a different town and possibly a cheaper one. You can't have all the attributes of Stevenage and Hertford in one town and the density and confined character of Hertford is both historic and convenient.
Over-population is not measured solely by how much land has been developed. There is a good description of 'over-population' on Wikipedia...... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-population