YHA hostels do so much for so many. Their sell-off is a sure sign of national decline | John Harris

They are an antidote to the isolation and smallness of modern life - yet the YHA is being forced to sell off at least 20Just over a month ago, a news story broke that spoke volumes about our crisis-ridden times, and the great wealth sitting undisturbed while some of our most vital organisations and institutions find themselves in dire financial straits.It also took its place among a range of developments - from our polluted rivers, to the ongoing controversy about the legality of camping on Dartmoor - which highlight how the opportunity to enjoy green and open spaces is being spoiled, restricted and neglected. In this instance, though, beyond coverage in the Guardian and Telegraph, and a brief flurry of noise on social media, what was afoot seemed to attract very little attention at all. Continue reading...