Settlement - Services

1. Towns provide services and facilities for people who live in and around them.

2. Different towns may provide a different range of services.

3. Many have a large range of shops and a shopping centre, and some have museums or a theatre

4. Most towns have churches and provide schools and pre-schools

5. Restaurants, bars and cafes are attracted to thriving towns

6. Public libraries were built in towns and are funded by public money.

7. All members of the community can use the library free of charge.

8. The public can borrow books and other items such as DVDs and CDs

9. Libraries also have reference sections, computers and internet access

10. Sometimes, there are mobile library vans that travel to villages for people who cannot get into town

11. Town halls were built as statements of pride in a town, showing how important it was, and are often very grand

12. Town halls contain offices for public officials, the council chamber and house the town councils and courts

13. Some town halls are used for community events, such as concerts, art exhibitions and festivals

14. Many towns have their own leisure centres.

15. People can go to leisure centres to keep fit and relax

16. Facilities may include a swimming pool, sports hall, gym, squash courts and a cafeteria

17. There may be pitches outside for hockey and football and courts for tennis and netball

18. Different types of shopping facilities serve the needs of different settlements

19. Corner shops for convenience can be found in small settlements

20. Towns may have shopping centres and some cities have shopping malls with a wide range of shops undercover.

21. Out-of-town shopping centres are built on the edges of towns where the land is cheaper.

22. This allows much more space for large car parks

23. Public transport provides links between various settlements and offers an alternative to the motor car

24. Trains, trams and buses are commonly used types of transport - they help to reduce pollution and congestion in towns

25. Pedestrian areas have been developed in some towns to create a safer and pleasanter environment.

26. They also improve air quality and reduce noise pollution

27. Urban parks and green spaces are a very important part of the urban environment, improving the quality of people’s lives