KIDDERMINSTER may be top of the pile for carpet manufacturing but neglected parts of the town put it firmly on the scrapheap.

As these photographs illustrate, the place has looked more like a dump at times.

Shabby, derelict buildings, graffiti-ridden walls and litter-strewn grass verges and streets abound.

And anyone unfortunate enough to have to use the dank, dingy, dirty and dog-mess-ridden subways deserves a medal.

One wonders if the new town centre development, whenever it comes, will eventually end up like the rest of the town.

And the question must be asked - does anyone care?

We all share the responsibility to care for our environment, but it seems too many people have a "leave it to someone else" attitude when it comes to looking after our town.

If the authorities and property owners are content to let Kidderminster go to the dogs, perhaps there are some community groups who could start the ball rolling to clean up the town.

We will happily feature anyone who helps to improve the environment we all share. Let us be proud of our town, not ashamed of it.

What do Shuttle/Times & News readers think about the state of Kidderminster?

Write to us at Towers Buildings, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster DY10 2DY.

August 2000