Slums in Worcester? Don’t be so offensive (From Worcester News)

Slums in Worcester? Don’t be so offensive

3:02pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Read

SIR – James Roberts’ letter (Worcester News, January 19) initially raises a legitimate concern about Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s proposal concerning a new hotel.

The rest of his letter, I am sure,will make “real Worcester people” as he puts it, a bit queezy in the stomach area.

St Peter’s and Warndon residents must feel great that in his opinion they are no more than “slum”

dwellers.

The children who play at the wonderful play parks in St Peter’s, organised in large part by the parish council, must feel really proud their parents chose for them to grow up in a “slum”.

Local councillors must feel valued by Mr Roberts and the many people who keep their neighbourhoods and gardens spotless must feel really good about themselves, too.

Those in affordable housing in these areas must also feel valued by him.

But he is not averse to building on the land [at the cricket ground] in question – oh no. Upmarket houses and bistros are okay. The ordinary folk of “slum” land won’t be able to afford those though.

The other telling comments from Mr Roberts, perhaps, concern “the golden temple” and people who “emigrate” to Worcester.

He obviously seems to think Worcester is being populated by ‘emigrants’ from far and wide, living in slums, and ruining the view.

We must assume as well that the horrible sights of Tesco and Asda don’t tempt him in to shop there.

I think Worcester is full of kind-hearted people, who welcome those from elsewhere and who want the city to move with the times, provide jobs for our young and old without them having neccesarily to work elsewhere.

That requires progress.

Perhaps Mr Roberts would like Worcester twinned with Royston Vasey?

RICHARD FARRELL-ADAMS
Worcester