Gloucester is 'dowdy' says new guide
THE new Mayor of Gloucester has defended the city against a critical review in a new guidebook.
Coun Chris Witts said it seemed to be the "done thing" to aim unjustified criticism at the city.
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Gloucester Cathedral
The Lonely Planet guide to Britain, published today describes Gloucester as having "fallen into serious decline".
The entry says: "Despite investment, the centre remains a rather dowdy, workaday place.
"Only a glimmer of its medieval character remains but the city's historic Docks have been redeveloped and are worth a visit."
Last year, the city was also dealt a blow in the Rough Guide travel book which labelled it worth little more than a day trip.
But Coun Witts, who stepped into the Mayoral role this week saying: "This book is coming out on the same day thousands of people are coming to the city for the opening of Gloucester Quays.
"It seems to be the done thing to do down Gloucester but we take it on the chin and we are always moving forwards.
"Despite what people might say, they like coming to Gloucester to explore the city."
The Forest of Dean fares better in the guide, described as "magical" and "wonderfully scenic".
The entry reads: "An ancient woodland with a unique, almost magical character, the Forest of Dean is the oldest oak forest in England and a wonderfully scenic place to walk, cycle or paddle."
And 'Queen of the Cotswolds' Painswick was described as 'one of the most beautiful and unspoilt towns in the Cotswolds, hilltop Painswick is an absolute gem.'
Gloucestershire as a whole was said to have 'a languid charm'.
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by anon1962, Forest of Dean
Saturday, May 23 2009, 1:21PM
“Negatives: Multi-story carparks that smell of urine, tatty shops in outdated shopping malls, no decent street cafes, no atmosphere, medieval area wasted in a backwater surrounded by retail parks. Greasy footpaths in a tatty pedestrian area, no style or sense of place. Complacent mayor!”
by martyn, Glos
Saturday, May 23 2009, 12:22PM
“Gloucester is overated, dirty, and void of any culture. The people are right to defend the place they live in but there is little for the visitor to do. Before any Chelt people start agreeing with me your town is the same(by the way Chelt is a town not a city) We never go to either places as they are both dull”
by Steve, Gloucestershire
Friday, May 22 2009, 10:24PM
“A Medieval City that just wastes everything it has except for its docks. The centre is so hopeless, except for that one tiny street where the Beatrix Potter shop used to be...you know the one on every promotional thing. The first time we came to the city we imagined it would be lovely.....it feels like a depressed industrial town from a past age. And people on here seem to think its marvellous - how complacent is that? Why are you satisfied with it, its your community demand its rebirth.”
by skindle, Gloucestershire
Friday, May 22 2009, 10:19PM
“people who don't like Gloucester have a choice etc. I don't like Gloucester I think its a dowdy ruined mess of a city that feels like a miserable nonentity town - not a city. So I follow that advice; I never go there to shop, it depresses me.”
by Parent, Hardwicke
Thursday, May 21 2009, 9:02PM
“Moaner Lisa, if you vaguely remember the fish tank, then you may even remember the clock that once stood above the entrance to the market. The one where you had the figures come out one side of the housing and back in the other end.
I forgot to mention in my first post regarding Kings Square, the awful stand alone building. It used to house Burgerland, Then became a cheap tacky store. I'm sure Macdonalds would be good going there now.”