Adoption of Villages in Derelict Areas An interesting and useful
example has been set by some of the Government departments in " adopting " villages or small towns in the derelict areas of North Durham, Northumberland and parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Money subscribed by members of the London staffs has been transmitted to local committees in the adopted areas, and spent in helping men to get to work on small crafts and industries and promoting educational and recreational interests. One recalls the manner in which certain towns in Britain after the War ,hastened to " adopt " villages in the devastated areas of France. Is there not even more reason today why' towns in the com- paratively prosperous south of England, towards which the stream of migration has been flowing from the distressed ,regions of the north, should take under their charge some, of the villages in the northern counties, or Lanarkshire, or South Wales ? Westminster might turn its attention to Jarrow, Kensington and Croydon might find elective affinities in the mining areas. And the rich 'watering-places of the south coast—Brighton, Folkestone and Bournemouthmight find pleasure in spending some of the profits from tourists upon the unemployed Of chosen towns in 'Scotland or Wales.
* • * *
Previous page
