Berwick-upon-Tweed, the northernmost town in England, waiting helplessly and some concern the independence referendum in Scotland on 18 September that the “border “is only four kilometers away
” Take your passport every day hoping that there are enough pages to accommodate all buffers. it’s been one gets this joke between us . And if it becomes reality? “Asks Isabel Hunter, Liberal Democrat mayor of this charming coastal town of 13,000 people, nestled in the northeast of England.
Ms. Hunter, who runs a small transport company, is in favor of keeping Scotland in the UK. And therefore welcomes a hint of relief that the polls, one month of the verdict, giving a lead of over ten points in the camp of “no” to independence.
But it does not hide mild anxiety and also his impotence, since only Scottish residents – including those from other countries of the European Union or Commonwealth -. entitled to vote at the
“We is reduced to expect that the Scots + + will decide, “she sighs
The concern of the elected -. shared by most of his countrymen, ensures she – – maybe just the turbulent history of the city, in the heart of the conflict between the English and Scots in the Middle Ages
-. A hybrid identity –
A total Berwick- upon-Tweed has changed hands thirteen times before becoming permanently British in 1482, and the walls surrounding the city still bear the scars of these conflicts.
Since then the city, located more than 500 km London and Edinburgh just 90, cultivates a deeply hybrid identity.
It speaks with a Scottish accent mixed with tones of northern England. And the local football club, Berwick Rangers, plays Scottish Third Division and not in England.
In fact, people feel “Berwick foremost,” said Phil Johnson, editor of two local newspapers. Berwick Advertiser covering the English side of the border and the Berwickshire News that addresses the Scottish side
“There are so many people in the city who have family or work on the other side of the border, “he added. “And this for generations.”
“This is exactly why they do not conceive the idea of a boundary between the two,” insists Isabel Hunter.
When we left England, north of the city, we certainly see a “Welcome to Scotland” sign. But there is no formal control may hamper the free movement of persons.
“I visited several cities on the other side and I have not found anything different,” says Laura Jerdan , a short 27 years.
Kevin Strachan, 23, lives in Chirnside, Scottish side. He too makes every day in England, where he worked in a sporting goods store. “We depend a lot of England. There are no jobs where I live, he said. I do not think independence is a good idea. “
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