Gentrification

The Oxford dictionary describes gentrification as; ‘the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, often displacing current inhabitants in the process.’ This is what had happened to the seaside towns of Aldeburgh, Southwold and many other parts of rural East Suffolk. It is an understandable concern for those living in Leiston, where housing remains affordable and many families have lived here for generations.

The dangers of gentrification came up in a conversation the other day with a group of volunteers at Leiston’s Long Shop Museum. Someone suggested that wealthy people who could no longer afford to live in Aldeburgh, were buying in Leiston bumping up house prices and making it difficult for local youngsters to find homes in the town.

Were we examples of that gentrification I wondered? We both grew up in the town, so are returning to retire close to our roots. We’re converting a derelict barn on the edge of town and using a local builder, so our money is being invested in the local community. I’ve also quickly become involved with both the local Quaker Meeting and Long Shop Museum. We have always seen Leiston as our home, not simply a more affordable alternative to Aldeburgh.

But the fact is that we can afford to build a very nice home here, we have just bought an almost new electric car and we are attending a good number of concerts at the nearby Snape Maltings concert hall. Our way of life is probably not be too dissimilar from that of many who move to the area from London.

The difference perhaps is that I want to go beyond enjoying living in Leiston and where I can, use my skills as a writer and experience as a social entrepreneur to help those striving to make the town a better place for all who live here.