In_Light_of_What_You_Have_Learned_About_City_Road,_Describe_Some_of_the_Inequalities_on_a_Street_Which_You_Know.

In huge contrast to City Road in Cardiff, my chosen street is just half a mile in length and is located in a quiet , rural market town in Essex. Historically, there are records of a market at it's entrance (West Square) dating back to the mid 10th Century. There is also a reference to a shop “le Draperie” in 1407, although no official record exists (Stephen Alsford, 1998-2005). It was journaled in 1818 that Maldon consisted of one street running almost a mile from West to East with one main cross street and several avenues and back lanes (Excursions in the County of Essex Vol 1). This is still true today. High Street commences at West Square and travels East for half a mile until it merges with Mill Road. My observations of this street will show that inequalities are present despite geographical and cultural differences. I will be focusing on buildings, shops, social lives, restaurants and infrastructure and comparing them with what I have learned of City Road. Entering High Street from West Square it is notable that the buildings are of grand design. Many of them were re-vamped in 18th Century over original Saxon buildings (www./unlockingessex.essexcc.gov.uk). This is a huge contrast to the modern eye level changes to Cardiff Tertiary College on City road (Material Lives, Scene 4). High Street is host to a large array of individual specialist shops, chain stores and a monthly, thriving, Farmers' Market. The emphasis on locally produced food and commodities is hugely evident in most of the specialist shops, unlike on City Road. For example, the proprietor of Xquisite Africa sources the majority of their products from Africa to help support it's economy ('Making Social Lives on City Road', 2009, scene 2). A contrasting example here is of Sally Green, who sells organic vegetables, jams and preserves produced locally, including on her own family farm. Although there are huge differences in cultural and geographical backgrounds both businesses have found niche markets aimed at their own cultures within their local surroundings, that do not appeal to all the users of either street. At the highest point of the town is All Saint's Church. It has a great sense of community among it's regular visitors, many of whom are retired. The people who frequent the Church all have different stories to tell about High Street and of the way it has changed over the years, just as the people of the Municipal Club in City Road some are intimidated of modern life of the town and are afraid to walk along the street after dark. Food outlets vary from small cafés that are only open during the daytime, open all hours public houses, take-aways and plush restaurants that come to life at night. Although each establishment attracts different clientèle each provide a sense of community and social bonding. It is also notable that there are many ethnic restaurants and takeaways even though the ethnic community is almost limited to the families that run these establishments. Parking on High Street is limited. There are allocated spots for taxis but no other vehicle. Bollards painted black with gold have been erected and the curb height increased to prevent illegal parking and to separate pedestrians and vehicles. Dust bins have also been provided, again painted black with gold, reducing the quantity of litter that is discarded carelessly, making high street more pleasing. As in City Road, High Street has allocated crossing points throughout, enforcing traffic and pedestrians to co-exist where necessary in a safe manner. In light of the course materials I have studied and what I have learned of City Road I would like to conclude that the inequalities of High Street are just as apparent as those on City Road. Buildings range from the grand that house rich businesses and expensive shops to post WWII buildings housing cheaper high street brands and ethnic restaurants. There is also the same struggle for space along High Street between pedestrians and vehicles and as a result controls have been put in place to make it a safe environment for all who frequent it. Not everyone feels safe along High Street, especially the older generations after dark. Therefore, despite the geographical and cultural differences between both streets, each has similar inequalities.