Streets are the foreground of our buildings and the backdrop to everyday lives. Yet England’s streets are increasingly cluttered with a proliferation of traffic signs, bins, bollards, guard rails and street furniture. This results in streetscapes that are both unsightly and lack character. Co-ordinated action is needed to reverse this decline.
Retaining historic features keeps the streets individuality and helps create a sense of place. It can contribute to regeneration: well designed, well ordered and well maintained streets are an expression of a confident and caring community. Chaotic and cluttered streets are a symptom of a community in decline with low self-esteem. Investing in quality solutions reduces maintenance costs and makes cleaning easier.
English Heritage Save our Streets campaign, in conjunction with the Women’s Institute, aimed to raise awareness of the deterioration of England’s Streets, and encouraged WIs and other groups and members of the public to complete an audit of their local streets to send to local councillors to let them know of public concern about the quality of the local environment.
Guidance for Practitioners
In 2005 Streets for All: Guidance for practitioners was produced by English Heritage, in conjunction with the Department for Transport. These regional manuals are aimed at all those involved in the design and management of streets. A summary Streets for All (2004) document is also avaliable. To support the Streets for All guidance manuals English Heritage will be holding a range of training events throughout England.
Practical Case Studies
In 2008 English Heritage published 10 Streets For All: Practical Case Studies. These showcase the best ‘how to’ examples of councils who have taken the initiative to deal with a particular aspect of street clutter. Aimed at local authorities and highways engineers, each leaflet contains detailed advice on issues to be considered and procedures to go through and lists relevant documents and legislation.
