Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The purpose of this study was to assess the `sense of place', local identity, attachment to area and perception of residents in the North East. Interviews were carried out in the four communities of Stockton, Spennymoor, Sunderland and Tynemouth.Main Topics:Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Respondents were asked to agree/disagree with a number of statements about their area to discover their 'mental maps'. Respondents were asked to rate various aspects of their towns. Whether town was thought of as 'home' (reasons), personal definition of 'class', areas of special importance apart from home areas (reasons), likes and dislikes of home area. Expected first impressions of a stranger to area, well-known aspects of home area, which town frequented most (comparison with home area), perceived boundaries of North East, expected opinion of strangers to region. Respondents were asked to agree/disagree with a number of statements about the North East, whether respondent maintained local customs, subjective regional affiliations (e.g. Geordie, Teessiders), description of regional affiliation to a Londoner. Previous addresses, time spent outside North East, whether ever seriously considered leaving (reasons), attachment to area, knowledge and opinion of local council, personal importance of elections, active individuals or groups in area besides council, whether local people prepared to press for something the area needed. Expected effect of boundary changes, change noticed in area since respondent moved in, changes respondent would like to see over next 10 years. Interest in local/national news, hours spent watching television per day. Questions about occupation were divided into separate sections for employed, unemployed and retired. Whether respondent would consider moving, commuting distance willing to travel, distances travelled in previous jobs, whether time or opportunity available to meet people...