BBC personality shares views on 'changed neighbourhoods'

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Communities and also in Development, Housing

A well-known BBC news reporter has been speaking about the way that neighbourhoods have changed over the years.

Mark Easton, the BBC's Home Editor, shared his views at North Hertfordshire Homes' annual meeting in Putteridge, Bury.

Mr Easton said that the increase in car and television ownership has led to neighbours rarely meeting in the street and to leisure time becoming a private activity.

The reporter also said that modern housing design had reduced public space and opportunities for people to mix. He blamed the decrease on public contact for a heightened fear of crime, which has led, he said, to people believing that crime is on the increase despite figures showing a fall.

Mr Easton was speaking to an audience of housing associations, architects, builders and council teams at NHH's meeting.