it's a wonderful life.....

Christmas was wonderful in being with my family, but in walking about my home town it was so depressing. Apart from a couple of weekends it was the first time I’d spent time in my home town since last Christmas and the change is extreme.

In some streets over half of the shops are closed up. The only shop that I’ve seen open in that year away is a “Cheques cashed” shop; aimed at those who are really on the line with no bank account, no means of cashing cheques.

A discount store has closed even. The Country Kitchen health food shop which has been there for 24 years has closed. And with each one the town sinks lower and lower……the only thing that’s growing and spreading is the heroin.