4A.3A: Regional and National Influences
Regional and national influences have shaped the characteristic of your chosen place. These places can be represented in a variety of different forms, giving contrasting images to those presented more formally and statistically. How the lives of students and those of others are affected by this continuity and change, both real and imagined.
Reading
Regional Influences on Reading
National Influences on Reading
Middlesbrough
Regional Influences of Middlesbrough
National Influences on Middlesbrough
Students, other young workers and migrants are affected by these images and perceptions:
Regional Influences on Reading
- London's greenbelt has made Reading a nearby alternative where development is allowed.
- Migrants are attracted to Reading, being close to London and close to their UK entry point.
- Within the M4 corridor, it is the preferred location for hi-tech industry in the UK.
- Many people live in the area, but commute to London.
National Influences on Reading
- High transport spending in the South and South East has provided connections: the M4, Heathrow airport, the M40 and the M3.
Middlesbrough
Regional Influences of Middlesbrough
- Iron ore deposits, which were in part the origin of Middlesbrough's industrial growth, were exhausted decades ago.
- There are poor road connections to nearby cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, and very poor rail connections.
- It is close to the North York Moors National Park, but not close enough to benefit from tourism.
National Influences on Middlesbrough
- It is located in a 'cut-off' corner of the North East, too far east of the A1 trunk road, and east coast mainline railway.
Students, other young workers and migrants are affected by these images and perceptions:
- Young people may feel they want to leave a place with a poor image.
- People are attracted to places with positive images.
- There are likely to be more job opportunities in places with attractive images, because companies, like people, are attracted to them.