Friday, September 08, 2006
I'm down south today to meet mother's flight tomorrow morning. I've got a couple of hours to kill so I'm wandering round the town centre seeing what's what.
It's eerie. The sun is out and it's a glorious day, but there hardly seems a soul about. I've just been on the High Street and it's spooky. I stood still for a moment to work out what was wrong. Then it hit me - the silence. There are no cars, buses or trams. No one is chatting, shouting, laughing. There's just a horrible silence.
Then I looked around. The High Street seems to have had it's heart ripped out. The only shops are chains. The same centrally-chosen window displays you'll find anywhere else. I could be standing in any UK town and wouldn't be able to tell you which one. I'm trying to find something unique about this town centre but I just can't. Perhaps it's always been like this and I didn't notice, but I tell you one thing - I'm glad I live in Sheffield.
By comparison, Sheffield has a big heart and is a city centre full of life and activity. I think I'm beginning to appreciate all the money that has been spent on Sheffield - if it stops it turning into what I see before me here it's worth it.
Phil - just tip your head back a fraction and look above the ghastly identikit shop fronts. Guildford has some great buildings, but only from the first floor upwards!
Guildford must have looked gorgeous 50 years ago. How anyone thought it would be a good idea to rip out the fronts of those lovely timber framed buildings and stick in PVC shop fronts is beyond me. Jane is right, if you look up there is true beauty.
I think this is the most deep and meaningfull post I've ever seen you do! go back to talking about rubbish or whining about Sheffield City Council then you might not care about the city centre.
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