the local scene

The area in which I work is a suburb of Liverpool, a poor area where most families receive government assistance.  Yesterday I read in the paper that the unemployment rate in Liverpool is (gulp) 31%.  The public conversation about the economy is very pressing here and I have been surprised at the lack of material wealth in this area.  Most people live in duplex or economy housing and own one small car.  Almost no home contains a garage.  Public transportation, mostly buses, are necessary for most, including me!