FIVE towns in the region have been nominated to be Britain’s most depressing town in an online poll — and the list includes Dumfries.
The annual survey by iLiveHere.com asks the public to nominate where they think is the most ‘bland, boring, soul destroying’ place to live. While normally the questionnaire aims to uncover the ‘worst’ place in the UK, this year is specifically seeking the most depressing.
There are currently 153 nominations in total for the not-so prestigious title, including Annan, Dalbeattie, Dumfries, Gretna and Newton Stewart.
A statement from iLiveHere said: “Bland, boring, soul destroying mediocrity with a gaping cultural void. This is what our new poll is about. This year we are ditching the usual suspects to focus on those towns throughout this septic isle that give you an almost-terminal case of ennui. The towns where you just exist rather than live.
“From home counties commuter dormitories that close down at 10pm to seaside resorts that are ghost towns in winter, this poll is about them.”
However the nomination has not gone down well with Dumfries residents, some of whom have taken to social media to defend the town.
Mary Markle wrote: “This is ridiculous! Nowhere is nice, and lots of people dislike where they are brought up. Nowhere has much to offer like they used to. But if a town can excel and promote the best sellers, uses them to its advantage and ensure people want to return.
“Dumfries has the Greensands, Whitesands, Dock Park, all things Burns, Moat Brae, river walks, fine dining, cheap dining, pubs, sports centres, gyms. Plenty.”
Fellow Doonhamer Jonny Graham added: “It’s beautiful town, if a little shabby these days, surrounded by beautiful countryside. There’s loads to see and do for a young family round here, couple that with a comparatively low cost of living and you’re on to a winner.”
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