Lords of the public realm

The news that a parliamentary select committee has taken up the cause of the UK's public spaces is very welcome indeed (1 August, page 13). The construction industry and the general public have long recognised the impact of good street design on safety and community pride. Perhaps now the government will sit up and take notice, too.

A MORI poll conducted in 2001 on behalf of Interpave found that 80% of people thought local authorities should spend more on maintaining and upgrading pavements. You only have to look to the Continent to see the results of their investment in the public domain. The UK is crying out for these sorts of thoughtfully designed, welcoming and attractive public spaces.

The public's wishes are clear and the industry can provide the sort of materials and expertise to realise them. Central government and local authorities now need to complete the circle and heed the recommendations of this report.