I visited ‘dead’ UK market town and it represents 1 thing wrong with Britain

OPINION

The UK’s market towns are enduring tough times, as the way we use them has fundamentally changed. A drop in overall footfall is compounded by strangulating business rates and Rachel Reeves’ hike in employers’ national insurance contributions. But one place has another problem to contend with, thanks to significant gaps in Britain’s infrastructure. Ashford in Kent lost its Eurostar services in 2020, with trains not yet returning after grinding to a halt as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents understandably want them back, and are growing impatient. There is a sense that the town has gone downhill - a mood that seems to prevail across a huge area of the country during these troubled times. The loss of international trains has seen at least 197,000 fewer visitors and £126million lost visitor spend every year, according to experts. As well as another stark example of the huge impact that global events can have on Britain’s communities, the axing highlights the vital nature of infrastructure to economic development, as well as the preservation of prosperity in the first place.

A friend of mine recently returned from China, and over a pint, he told me about the country’s public transport network.

Customers can catch a train every minute on the metro, and access 5G whenever they want.

Travel is also significantly cheaper.

People relax on bullet trains travelling at 217mph, not even slightly excited.

My pal even described it as being monotonous.

These sorts of services are beyond Brits’ wildest dreams.

Our railways are admired, but mostly for their historic role.

We were the first to have them, after all.

Looking forward, it seems as though Britain is destined to languish in mediocrity.

The country feels like a parachute with a great deal of holes in it.

It is hardly worth mentioning HS2, as we are all aware of how much of a farce that has become.

Rishi Sunak’s decision to cancel its northern leg was one of extraordinary political selfishness, which didn’t even boost his individual fortune.

What is the point of the project now?

Its purpose was to boost northern cities, and it isn’t even going to go there.

For now.

The Electric Spine project - which aimed to create a large electrified rail corridor from Southampton to northern and central England in order to improve freight transport - was largely cancelled in July 2017 due to budget overruns.

An all too familiar story.

This is not even mentioning roads.

Dualling the A9 in Scotland between Perth and Inverness was due to be finished this year.

But the scheme has now been delayed until 2035.

A lost decade.

In the West Midlands, the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill tramline has been postponed until next year.

The Coventry Very Light Rail (VLR) project, a new, lower-cost public tram being developed in Coventry, is some way off also, expected to commence services in 2027.

Tantalising trials took place earlier this year.

This list only scratches the surface.

During her keynote speech, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: "While Britain was redefining what a woman is, China was building five nuclear reactors."

While I think the first part of her point is a tad distasteful and unnecessary, the second part stands.

It’s almost like we have given up.

There is a distinct lack of ambition, and no sense of urgency.

Yes, there are financial and logistical issues, to a large extent out of our control.

But these problems can be overcome.

Britain has turned into a nation of procrastinators, and its citizens are paying the price.

Are you frustrated by an unfinished project in your area? If so, get in touch by emailing adam.toms@reachplc or calling 07788 108490.