Standish in the New Millennuim
From Standish Wiki
The following was written by John O'Neill, then chair of the Standish Community Forum, in 1999, upon the launch of The Standish Homepage website.
"Standish Township is justifiably proud of its ancient heritage and is striving to ensure that as much as possible of its visible links with the past remain for all to see.
"Since its gradual transformation over hundreds of years from an agrarian to a mixed economy which included the mining of coal and the production of textiles and chemicals from the late 18th century until their demise in recent times, Standish is gradually coming to terms with its new role.
"Change over the past 40 years has seen the restoration of an industrial landscape to a largely rural one, a significant growth in light industries based on the expansion of Bradley Trading Estate and the advancement of microchip technology and an influx of new residents drawn by its open countryside, attractive housing developments and easy access, via the M6 motorway, to work place and leisure activities within the immediate region and beyond.
"Continuing growth of the population (now 16,000) places ever increasing pressures on the township infrastructure.
"The next challenge is to resolve these difficulties of pupil accommodation in local schools, peak-time traffic bottlenecks, additional parking requirements for residents and visitors, an improved bus system, increased recreational facilities for young people, sufficient sheltered accommodation to meet the needs of the elderly and more attractive and pedestrian friendly walkways fronting the main shopping areas and, at the same time, to harness, for the common good, all that is positive in an increasingly vibrant and popular area of the Borough.
"What will undoubtedly assist Standish to fulfil the next stage of its long development will be the continuation and expansion of its unique brand of community spirit." [1]
- ↑ John O'Neill, Chairman, Standish Community Forum, December 1999
