Our shabby streets

Vandals are said to have broken windows, entered the premises and started to wreck the inside of the building.

The local community is justifiably concerned about this physical damage and antisocial behaviour.

When I saw the photograph of the boarded-up broken windows I was reminded of the “Broken Window” theory which was proposed by James Wilson and George Kelling in 1982.

The theory uses broken windows as a metaphor for disorder within communities.

Disorder is caused by physical and social breakdown. As the physical environment starts to deteriorate, anti-social behaviour increases.

As anti-social behaviour increases the physical environment continues to deteriorate and crime levels increase. Once the process begins it feeds itself.

People usually refer to communities that experience this scenario as run down areas. The Government identifies them as areas of deprivation.

I believe there is a lesson to be learned from the current condition of the derelict Ivy Hotel.

Our police services have had severe cutbacks and recently we were informed that Swindon Borough Council intends to cut its road budget by £2.5m.

Wroughton and the wider borough of Swindon already have a deteriorating situation.

Roads are covered in potholes, footpaths are breaking up, litter and detritus is left on streets, weeds grow in gutters and on footpaths, gullies are seldom cleaned and graffiti is daubed on walls, fences and street furniture.

The report referred to comments made by Coun Brian Ford, cabinet member for Streetsmart and Highways.

Considering the poor state of many of the streets in Swindon, the term Streetsmart is an obvious misnomer.

For many Swindon streets the term shabby would be a more appropriate description.

I do not like to see taxpayers’ money wasted but I believe that greater consideration should be given to the environment when difficult decisions are taken.

It seems to me we could be on an irreversible downward spiral.

K KANE Wharf Road, Wroughton