Bobbies on the beat

D - For the first time ever on this estate, we've seen a couple of Policemen patrolling on foot. A welcome sight for sure, but one that is long overdue., for the vast majority of those living here.
Having never learnt to drive, walking the streets to get from A to B and being familiar with them has been a way of life for myself, but for many less streetwise (Due in part to over-reliance on the car) the pavement has almost become a place of fear.
With the almost daily scaremongoring of certain newspapers and selective editing of tv shows aimed at frightening a willing populace, it's not really a surprise that walking the streets (And coming into contact with those too poor to drive or the imaginary mugger/rapist behind every corner or hedge) has become a unknown, fearful activity.
Having a visible Police presence to deter criminals and reassure the public that the streets are their property should, hopefully, encourage us to ditch the motor and walk up the shop, the chippy, the Chinese takeaway, the neighbours and countless other places.
Maybe once people take to the pavements and realise that the overwhelming majority of other people walking them are simply going about their business, and not waiting to jump you, then we may become a less fearful, whining nation.
Saying, 'Hello' and smiling at the person walking past you might get you the odd look, but far more often than not you'll get the same back. Just to recieve a bit of friendliness from a stranger really can make your day seem brighter and less of a burden, so we shouldn't have to rely on the Police or more and more Government legislation to make our streets welcoming and safe. We should take it upon ourselves as individuals to make that change by altering our behaviour and growing some bollocks, instead of hiding away in fear.