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Sanwar Ali, workpermit.com
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By Sanwar Ali
During the coronavirus pandemic Londoners try and get on with their lives. The "UK Lockdown" has now been extended for another three weeks at least until 7 May 2020. I am including below various scenes of the Docklands area of London during the Coronavirus. During coronavirus COVID-19 I am avoiding travelling too far to take pictures! So these scenes are near to the home and office in the London Docklands area.
Huge redevelopment of London Docklands since 1980s
The “London Docklands” was part of the Port of London at one time the World’s largest Port. The Ports closed by 1980, by which time the area had become impoverished. A huge regeneration scheme started. in 1981 the Environment Secretary at the time Michael Heseltine, formed the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) to redevelop the area. Within a decade some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe sprang up in Canary Wharf.
The Government refused to pay to extend the underground system to improve transport communications. Instead, we have what was at that time considered to be the futuristic Docklands Light Railway (DLR) which has turned out to be a huge success. Opinions at the time were divided about the DLR.
Social distancing measures and supermarkets
As in other parts of the UK there are social distancing measures and long queues for shopping at the Supermarket. Many supermarkets would not be open unless there was access to migrant workers. Here is a queue next to a Tescos near South Quay DLR station.
The situation is worse at the local Isle of Dogs Asda. Long queues during much of the day due to social distancing measures. Probably people wait for half an hour or longer. A friendly security guy at the entrance of Asda suggested coming back at 9pm and insisted that there would be no queues at that time. There is now even an app called "Supermarket Check-In" that advises on the best time to visit a supermarket to avoid the queues.
Canary Wharf one of the most important financial districts in the World
At Canary Wharf one of the most important financial districts in the World many offices are largely empty. Only a few maintenance staff are left. Crowds of bankers and other workers no longer turn up at the office. The buses and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) have few passengers.
Canal scenes in Docklands
In the Docklands area of London there are many canals just a few minutes away from the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, with people living on barges. An interesting sight was a couple on top of a barge eating lunch with their dog on the side.
Walking next to the Thames during the weekends and public holidays there are people jogging and cycling. Sometimes the Police turn up and ask people to move along. The number of people is smaller than normal due to many people staying at home and social distancing policies.
Docklands area with varied migrant groups
London Docklands is very much a cosmopolitan area with a number of migrant groups. Walking along you hear numerous Asian and European languages. The local London Borough of Tower Hamlets has the largest population of people with Bangladeshi ancestry in the UK. During the coronavirus pandemic restaurants and bars are closed, which has badly affected the Bangladeshi community and others. Some may offer a takeaway service. Hopefully, after the Pandemic restrictions end things will eventually get back to normal.
