The Yorkshire Post says: Community spirit. Crank the Big Society into gear

IT is a fortuitous coincidence of timing that events to mark Community Business Weekend should coincide with the Tour de Yorkshire.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th May 2018, 01:29 BST
It required positive community action, and the collective action of many, prior to the Tour de Yorkshire finishing in Doncaster on day one of this year's race.It required positive community action, and the collective action of many, prior to the Tour de Yorkshire finishing in Doncaster on day one of this year's race.
It required positive community action, and the collective action of many, prior to the Tour de Yorkshire finishing in Doncaster on day one of this year's race.

For, in many respects, the celebration of cycling is, in fact, testament to David Cameron’s much- mocked Big Society because it is only possible by communities, councils and citizens working in tandem.

Both also reflect the rise of the so-called CIMBY generation – people who truly support the “community in my backyard”. As services come under sustained threat, it’s taking positive action by the people to run enterprises like shops, post offices and libraries. With more than three-quarters of Yorkshire residents said to want more amenities run by local people, this is an opportunity for residents to come together to make a positive difference.

For, unless this county’s famed community spirit prevails and the Big Society is cranked into gear, the erosion of local institutions will, just like cycling’s peloton, simply gather pace.

Related topics:Community spiritYorkshire PostDavid CameronYorkshire