Accessibility: The Rural Challenge

The inaccessibility of many areas of the UK is a problem discussed in the book, published in 1979. It reviews the process of decline and considers the concept of accessibility as an analytical tool for measuring the success or failure of alternative policies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1979, this book delves into the pressing issue of accessibility in rural Britain, affecting planners, county councils, transport, health, and education authorities, as well as the local inhabitants. The impact is particularly significant for certain segments of society, such as the less well-off, children, teenagers, and the elderly, who face the closure of local shops, schools, and medical services in favor of larger units located in distant towns. The book undertakes a comprehensive review of the decline that led to this situation, exploring the concept of accessibility as a valuable analytical tool for measuring the success or failure of alternative policies.

Within its pages, each policy option is examined in depth, encompassing the support of conventional bus or other transport services, the provision of mobile services, the implementation of 'mini-outlet policies, and the long-term restructuring of the rural settlement pattern. The author emphasizes the importance of considering accessibility in rural development to ensure that all communities, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, have equal access to essential services and opportunities.

By examining the historical context, economic factors, and social dynamics that contribute to accessibility challenges in rural areas, the book offers insightful recommendations and strategies for policymakers, community leaders, and individuals seeking to improve the quality of life in rural communities. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of rural development and exploring innovative solutions to address the needs of rural populations.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032551623