Absolutely
The place isn't absolutely grim.

It's got a relatively low crime rate, it is in a superb location, there are many redeeming features.

There is, however, a pervading attitude of insularity and parochialism - almost a seige mentality - which seems to be used as a cloak against advancement.

I've not read the FT article but I rather expect that it is this attitude that has alienated the author - therefore his reaction has enraged the local rag.
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Sat 31 Oct 2009, 23:19, 1 reply)

I didn't read the article *properly*
But what I did read, was actually a good report. They just picked all the negative soundbites out of it and made it sound like the author was slagging the place off.

When it comes to slagging the place off I did a far better job :) To be fair, it's not "that bad", there are a few chavs but it's not the sort of crime centre you see elsewhere etc. As I've iterated a few times, leave the damn place alone for 5 minutes (well, and cull a few of the kamikaze pigeons) and it might flourish.

(I did comment there. My last name begins with L.)
(Cloudane, Sun 1 Nov 2009, 1:21, closed)