Modernity

Two years here, I feel that conclusions must be made.
15 years ago when I was at college, we talked about how political correctness had gone mad.The bad news is that it continued, and is now the norm.The good news is that most people disagree with it,the bad news is that the few who don't- control the local councils and unions and NGO's, keeping it firmly in place.From banning fireworks shows, to banning kids playing tag, to 'carbon footprinting' they are here to stay.
When I was growing up, the towns had already begun to resemble each other, that is an absolute now. 3 supermarkets, 3 coffee shops, 3 fast food outlets, 3 banks, 3 phone companies, 3 clothes chains, 3 bookshops, 3 pub chains.You get the idea, possibly a little exaggerated-but only a little. Birkenhead, and every other Northern town are prime examples-they have no soul, no variety.The town has nothing to redeem it. Public transport is almost non existent, relative to London,Manchester or international cities. To be a non driver here, is to be a prisoner.People's only leisure options involve travelling to distant places.
The strangest thing of all, is that it is damned hard to be a car driver as well. Every single space where a car could stop for even 10 minutes without putting money in a parking meter ceased to exist a few weeks ago! My office doesn't have enough parking spaces for it's workers, but yet most have no alternative transport. Travelling by bus can be a lengthy dangerous proposition, if there is a bus. It is a ridiculous catch 22 situation, which I can only see getting worse.The local authorities make millions from parking and fines, the government openly state that they don't want people driving cars.Yet no one EVER talks about improving public transport!!
Where does this leave the youth of these towns? Nowhere. Young people have no interest in the dead,bland, expensive shopping areas.They have no leisure options.
What results are kids hanging out on estates, taking drugs and shooting each other, and creating a nation in fear in the process. The towns are virtual no go zones on weekend nights, violent and full of puke.When people have no other outlet to let down their hair, what else can be expected?This binge drinking culture is extended to the beach resorts of Europe.
What does the future hold for this country without a soul? I travelled through France 18 months ago, and was flabbergasted that all garages and hotels were automated, and that without a credit card , you couldn't get any petrol, or gain entry into the hotels.France has had rioting since then, and I believe it faces the same problems as here. As the core of communities is taken away, what is left?
I can see the same happening to a much lesser degree in Hong Kong, thankfully Chinese people will always sell things on streets,and entrepreneurs will always open new business's . The leaders of Asian cities, should come and visit towns like Birkenhead-to see how things can go wrong. The New Towns in Hong Kong have had problems with crime and young people-it's not a coincidence that their centres are on the bland side. If the UK had the weather Hong Kong has, then it wouldn't be so bad.Winter lasts for 6 months here, the park and beach may be free, but they are shit in the rain and cold!