The local high street has been pedestrianised, streamlined and spruced up. Small family businesses are disappearing and familiar chain stores bulge into the space which used to have three or four small shops. Who cares about the changes? Why were they made? Will there be more?
Linda Blandford examines recent alterations to the high street and hears from planners. developers and researchers about how and where we can expect to shop in the future.
Sir John Betjeman reflects on shops and shopping: planners Dr Bruno Schlaffenberg and Alfred Wood discuss dilemmas they face and solutions they must find; and shoppers and shopkeepers talk about what they want and how they are trying to make themselves heard.
Producer JENNY DE YONG (Birmingham)