Interviews and Project Findings:
Community Life and Social Relations in Darlington

"Modern living has long since lost its sense of community. In the past, areas such as 'Albert Hill' (a working class area of Darlington) were built to accommodate a work force from the factories, so most of the community worked as well as lived together and strong bonds and friendships were formed. These communities were basically small towns with paper, fruit and veg and butcher's shops as well as a post office, fish and chip shop, betting shop as well as the local pub.

In a close knit community, if you were in need of a favour you could rely on your neighbour, there was no problem with security, you could even sleep with your door unlocked and you felt safe in your home. In present day everything needs to be safe and secure, even to the extreme of alarm systems."


"Today more people work so there isn't the friendliness between the neighbours that there used to be. People used to be very close to their neighbours. During the Second World War when people were rationed neighbours used to share cups of sugar and tea bags, but now people may think you are imposing if you go to visit. There is more suspicion today, as there is more crime. However years ago there was more respect for everybody."


"Many people have told me that 50 years ago, they could leave their front doors unlocked when they left the house to go out but we don't take the risk due to a higher rate in crime (burglaries etc.) in this decade. We can't be as carefree with our home, car and personal security because of the many thieves, burglars and pickpockets who will steal anyone's belongings. There are also muggers and murderers but not as many. Fifty years ago, there wasn't as much crime in our area. There isn't much now, but the number of cases has noticeably risen."


"Q: How has the community life changed?
A: We have more community events going on now than 50 years ago because we didn't have the facilities as you do now and there weren't as many community centres as there are now. But now you've got lots of community centres and that Orange festival thing which is quite good cos it gets you out of the house, which is a nice change, so I think it's quite good."


"Social relationships are not the same. People seemed to move around the area more and mix with more people."


"In 1930 everybody knew everybody else in the street. Most of the time children socialised by playing outside in the street. In 2000 quite often people are very wary about who they choose to be friends with and often keep themselves to themselves. To socialise people usually go to places like the park or the Dolphin Centre together."