It’s not often thought that shopping streets are ‘public spaces’ but it’s true that they are. The communal management of facilities – and the open, transparent litigation of issues that arise – are indicative features of their public nature.
In the UK’s unwritten constitution, the country isn’t owned or deprived from public ownership. It’s a coherent arrangement that gives people rights over it, and because these change, it needs to be flexible in scope and context.
The streets, so-called, are under property management, and so are used by any and all – but only for ‘official’ purposes. This includes shopping uses, but it’s an old law and so it sounds outdated. Maybe it’s in need of review, by example.
Protest
The confusion of rights into responsibilities is at the heart of the division over public spaces. These places become a battleground immediately after litigation starts, and since some are stupid, are confused at later stages.
This is not the point at which to decide who goes where. This is done everyday for all of us. The imperative is seen in every type of Policing, all over, in every place. This is how it works for us in the UK because of our history. It’s important to our place here that we do it.
Discovery
The need or desire to discover or be curious is increasing, and in spite of fevers of excitement, we can still stay sane and simple. It involves ignoring those that doomsday or naysay through public media. It involves knowing our rights already, not a combative nature.
This is the only requirement now, because everything is sorted out. There’s no need for social ‘filters’ of any sort or type. There’s a need for sensible, single action to make sure the day is safe. This helps everyone to help themselves.
The forward nature of law changes this only in small ways, and if any impinge, proper efforts are made to inform people. This is always the case. It ratifies our way of life, and keeps it out of harms way. It’s always been our best way.