Monday, 9 November 2009
Platform 1
New Flats in Feltham
Renovated Feltham
Above is an image of St. Gile's Hotel which is down the road from Feltham Train Station. It is a clear reflection of Feltham's direct link to renovation which links to tourism and which in turn, links to Heathrow Airport because of which, change in Feltham's town-scape, industry, employment, economic status and certain cultures, came about.
Feltham renovation came about in the 1980s. Privatisation of British Airways in 1986 was a profitable move which resulted in high revenues and increased competition, which in turn increased employment and which finally resulted in a steep increase in employment in the local areas (such as Feltham). Feltham's renovation has continued to climb a steep ladder due to the continual expansion of Heathrow. Heathrow's expansion has caused the introduction of more hotels in the high-street area, a newly built train station, new high street (with new and popular stores) and a severe decrease in crime and an increase in contemporary architecture (in the form of apartments and stores).
This photo was taken, standing on the bridge above the train tracks. It shows a train as it is stopped at the train station. The barriers are down which means cars and people are unable to get across (for safety reasons). At night, lights are provided from on sight street lamps and also, near-by new apartments which tower around the train station. At night, it is also evident that the train station is not as crowded, hence, night time is not a peak time for the station.
The image shows a block of flats that are very close to Feltham Train Station. These block of flats represent the working class population that predominantly populates Feltham. In this block of flats, violence is minimal. A sense of unity and community is eminent. However, this only happened recently due Feltham's recent development. Before these flats existed, violence and racism was a popular activity amongst certain troubled individuals.
Feltham Culture
The image is off a local breakfast cafe located in the local high-street of Feltham. I think it reflects typical British culture. The Restaurant is some what well known for its 'Full English Breakfast'. It is crowded in the early mornings with the working class which Feltham is predominantly populated with. The cafe emulates typical British culture in its sense of Socialism. The cafe is a very easily accessible and sociable place. It is inviting because of its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff inside are very approachable and add to emulating a sense of "community" within the Cafe. In my opinion, Socialism is still very eminent in Feltham regardless of Thatcher's introduction of Capitalism. However, recent influx of various cultures has (many will debate) caused some disruption to the bond and resulted in certain divisions.
Feltham Train Station (Birds-eye view)
Feltham Train Station (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/21350392)
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