Ground Control: The Death and Life of British Cities

We're increasingly aware of living in a society plagued by fear and unhappiness. Even when actual levels of crime are reduced, fear of crime is on the up. How did this happen and what can we do about it?In Ground Control, Anna Minton sets out on a journey around Britain to answer our questions.

From Manchester, which hands out more ASBOs than other city, to Liverpool 'City of Culture', and from gated communities to sink estates, this is a frank and excoriating look at the effects property and planning have on our lives – often in unexpected ways. More new spaces are being created in British towns than at any time since the Second World War. But they're all privately owned and privately controlled, and they are changing not only the very fabric of our cities, but our understanding of public space, of citizenship, of fear - and of trust.

Reaching out to all those affected by these changes, from home owners to kids on ASBOs, policemen to estate agents, Ground Control explores the psychological effects our shared spaces have upon us, and shows us how alternative models produce cultures of greater happiness.