The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on many aspects of life, especially for small towns and rural areas. Many businesses, such as pubs, banks, libraries and swimming pools, have been forced to close or reduce their services due to lockdowns, social distancing measures and reduced demand. This has left many towns desolate and deprived of vital social and economic resources.
The decline of pubs and social life
Pubs are more than just places to drink and eat. They are also hubs of social interaction, community cohesion and cultural identity. Pubs provide a space for people to meet, chat, celebrate, commiserate and enjoy themselves. They also support local jobs, tourism and charities.
However, the pandemic has hit the pub industry hard. According to the British Beer and Pub Association, more than 2,000 pubs have permanently closed in the UK since March 2020, and thousands more are at risk of closure. The lockdowns have prevented pubs from operating normally, and even when they are allowed to reopen, they face strict restrictions on capacity, opening hours and service. Many pub owners and staff have struggled to survive financially, and many customers have stayed away due to fear of infection or loss of income.
The closure of pubs has had a knock-on effect on the social life of many towns. Without pubs, people have fewer opportunities to socialise, network and bond with their neighbours. This can lead to isolation, loneliness and mental health problems. It can also erode the sense of belonging and identity that pubs foster. As one pub owner in Wales said: “Pubs are the heart of the community. They’re where people come together, where friendships are made, where memories are created. Without them, towns lose their soul.”
The loss of banks and financial services
Banks are another essential service that many towns rely on. Banks provide access to cash, loans, savings, mortgages and other financial products that enable people to manage their money and plan for their future. Banks also support local businesses by providing them with capital, advice and payment services.
However, the pandemic has accelerated the trend of bank branch closures that has been happening for years. According to Which?, more than 4,000 bank branches have closed in the UK since 2015, leaving many towns without a physical bank presence. The main reasons for this are the rise of online banking, the decline of cash usage and the cost-cutting measures of banks.
The closure of bank branches has left many towns without access to vital financial services. Many people, especially older or vulnerable customers, still prefer to use cash or face-to-face banking rather than online or mobile banking. Without a bank branch nearby, they have to travel further or pay extra fees to access cash machines or post offices. This can be inconvenient, expensive and risky for them.
It can also limit their financial choices and opportunities. As one customer in Scotland said: “I feel like I’m being left behind by the digital revolution. I don’t trust online banking, I like to see who I’m dealing with. But now I have no choice but to use it or go miles away to find a bank.”
The closure of libraries and cultural facilities
Libraries are another important service that many towns depend on. Libraries provide access to books, information, education, culture and entertainment for people of all ages and backgrounds. Libraries also offer a range of activities and events, such as reading groups, homework clubs, computer classes and author talks. Libraries are often seen as safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where people can learn, explore and connect with others.
However, the pandemic has forced many libraries to close or reduce their services due to lockdowns, budget cuts and staff shortages. According to the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), more than 800 libraries have closed in the UK since 2010, and many more are under threat of closure or privatisation. The lockdowns have prevented libraries from opening their doors to the public, and even when they are allowed to reopen, they face challenges such as social distancing rules, reduced opening hours and limited resources.
The closure of libraries has left many towns without access to vital cultural facilities. Many people rely on libraries for their education, entertainment and personal development. Without libraries, they have fewer opportunities to read books, learn new skills or enjoy cultural activities. This can affect their literacy levels, confidence levels and well-being levels. It can also reduce their exposure to different ideas, perspectives and experiences that libraries offer. As one library user in England said: “Libraries are a lifeline for me. They’re where I go to escape from my problems, to find new books, to meet new people. Without them, I feel lost and bored and lonely.”
The shutdown of swimming pools and leisure centres
Swimming pools are another valuable service that many towns benefit from. Swimming pools provide access to physical activity, health, recreation and fun for people of all ages and abilities. Swimming pools also host a variety of sports and fitness classes, such as aqua aerobics, water polo and swimming lessons. Swimming pools are often seen as places of relaxation, enjoyment and socialisation where people can exercise, play and meet others.
However, the pandemic has caused many swimming pools to shut down or reduce their services due to lockdowns, safety measures and financial pressures. According to Swim England, more than 200 swimming pools have closed in the UK since March 2020, and many more are at risk of closure. The lockdowns have prevented swimming pools from operating normally, and even when they are allowed to reopen, they face challenges such as capacity limits, hygiene rules and increased costs.
The shutdown of swimming pools has left many towns without access to vital leisure facilities. Many people rely on swimming pools for their physical health, mental health and social well-being. Without swimming pools, they have fewer opportunities to exercise, relax or have fun. This can affect their fitness levels, mood levels and happiness levels. It can also reduce their sense of community and belonging that swimming pools foster. As one swimmer in Northern Ireland said: “Swimming pools are a source of joy for me. They’re where I go to keep fit, to de-stress, to make friends. Without them, I feel unhealthy, anxious and isolated.”
