Camborne's decline. From mining prosperity to 'tent city' crisis
One of the cities in Great Britain, Camborne, is facing a steep decline. Once a flourishing town rich in natural resources, it has become a breeding ground for crime. The streets are littered with syringes, people find refuge in cemeteries, and most businesses have shut down. To tackle these issues, the city council has launched an unconventional project.
30 April 2024 14:04
Camborne, situated in Cornwall in the southwest of England, was historically a mining town. During the 19th century, Cornwall was a major global tin producer, with Camborne at the heart of this industry. The town once enjoyed prosperity and a low unemployment rate. However, today's Camborne tells a different story.
From mining town to 'tent city'
Now, Camborne ranks among the poorest areas in Great Britain, with its structures falling into disrepair. The lack of employment has driven people to inhabit vacant buildings and abandoned hotels. Others have set up camp in a fenced cemetery, giving rise to the moniker 'tent city'. The streets are filled with beggars, each struggling to make ends meet.
A significant issue affecting the community is substance abuse, with aggressive behaviour from those under the influence posing a real danger.
The lawless streets of Camborne
The atmosphere in Camborne's streets is far from welcoming. A rising wave of violence has left many residents concerned, yet reports suggest that police responses are lacking. 80-year-old Shirley Rule told the Daily Mail, "'It's terrible at the moment. There are drunks and homeless people sitting out at all times. It's sad there are people camping in the churchyard yard but we never see the police any more. It's got worse in the time I've been here."
The city council has introduced street marshals to help keep the peace. A private security firm now patrols the city centre, addressing residents' concerns about the insufficient police action on issues that pose a risk to health or even life.
