Town-gown...gone?
Centuries of hostility between Town and Gown may come to an end, if a new plan by University officials is successful. The "One City Oxford" initiative brings together top University dons, City Council officials, and other leading businessmen and policemen from around the city, in an attempt to fight the poverty and low quality of life that afflicts much of Oxford.
Although the traditional divide between the native city-dwellers and the privileged population of students which squats in Oxford during term times, is much less pronounced than it has been in the past, there are still occasional sparks of trouble. However, University officials hope that this new initiative, which will put the awesome educational facilities of the University at the disposal of the poorest city-dwellers, will finally "bridge the divide".
Dr. Paul Flathers, the director of external communications for the scheme, said "The difference we can make is that we can use the incredible educational resources of the city to identify problems and help co-ordinate solutions."
The scheme aims to carry out a major survey, involving some 4000 people, to investigate the quality of life in the city. This should begin in the near future. In the meantime, the Scheme officials have set up seminar groups, to which everyone is invited, in order to discuss the major issues concerning Oxford. The next seminar will be held at Oxford Brookes on December 1st and will deal with crime.
12th Oct 2000