Market Parade, Havant (6) - 5 May 2013

I visited Market Parade in Havant, an area slated for much-needed development. I can remember the current buildings being constructed and have seen their occupancy change many times over the year. The area is now in dire condition both physically and, in many cases, economically. I am, however, not convinced of the coherence of development plans and have some sympathy for the small traders who will be displaced. It is important to note that this is the first part of Havant seen by many people arriving by train.

In the interests of editorial openness, I should make it clear that I went on a Sunday morning as I did not want too many people in my pictures. The number of shutters is therefore accentuated by Sunday closing but there are a number of vacant properties and the poor physical condition can be confirmed by closer examination of the now largely unglazed and substantially oxidised canopies.

As a final, technical, note, these pictures were taken experimentally with a Leica D-Lux 2. This is my first Leica, a used compact, and I can not readily foresee the time when I would spend valuable funds on a new Leica. The camera dates back to about 2005 and seems remarkably capable. I found the colour SOOC a little subdued and have resaturated slightly in each case.

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