Impact of Counter-urbanisation (Urban-rural migration) on a rural community

Leaving the cities . . . counter-urbanisation

While many people in LEDCs are migrating to urban areas, many MEDCs are showing the opposite trend.  People are leaving the urban areas and moving to the countryside to live.  Reasons for such migration can be seen as ‘Push' and ‘Pull' factors.

The ‘Push' of the city                              The ‘Pull' of the countryside

1.  Atmospheric pollution                      4.  Clean air

2.  Congested roads                            5.  Empty roads

3.  Fear of crime                                 6.  Friendly community

As well as these factors, a major reason for the move to the countryside has been ownership of motor vehicles.  It is now possible to live in a village and commute to the city daily in order to work.  Many villages on the edges of cities have changed their character from being traditional farming villages to becoming commuter settlements.

Location / Background

Leire is a village in south Leicestershire.  Since the 1950s counter-urbanisation has seen many families move into the village.  Some have moved into old houses; others into newly-built small estates.  This has caused the community to change.  The self-sufficient rural community is being replaced by those who can afford to travel elsewhere for amenities and services using cars.  Although they wish to live in rural areas they do not create enough local demand to keep village services open.  Closure makes it difficult for the local villagers to continue a sustainable way of life without a car.

The effect on rural communities

1. Villages have grown physically
2. Village services have changed

As Leire becomes a commuter settlement it has had a great impact on the village services.  The new villagers usually work outside the community, they often have access to more than one car, they own the houses in which they live and they have a high disposable income.  However, it is not just a story of closed services.  There are a number of recently opened services in Leire.  Although some of them, like having mains gas supplied to the house, benefit all members of the community, others benefit different groups of people.

Closure of services - Blacksmith, village shop (changed to residence) and school

Recently opened services - Youth club, Cubs and Brownies and playgroup

Problems - limited buses for O.A.P, limited rail travel to/from Leicester for teenagers wanting to spend a night out, access to housing for first time buyers (recently increased prices), short opening hours for post office, shop and garage.