American research showed how intensive help for two nursery years saved seven times the sums spent later on social security and crime for those children. The national childcare strategy promises 1m after-school, homework and holiday schemes. But Connexions gets going in earnest only this year. Policy no longer forgets them. More money has arrived through the various zones.
Crime is down, though few realise it.
The local primary school has had excellent results recently. Pensioners and families have more money in their household budgets, more people have jobs. It all takes time and it all started two years too late. Few residents claim signs of improvement yet. The air is thick with promises, delivery yet to come.