Clacton is a small seaside town of 50,000 population. The town centre is shabby and neglected. The people in Clacton appear to be poor and deprived. It is evident that many people are overweight, no doubt because of poor diet, and many are dependent upon mobility scooters.
There are eleven charity shops in the town centre. There are homeless people in the town who clearly need help.
Clacton voted overwhelmingly in favour of Brexit and yet it seems clear that they have suffered from its consequences. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, is standing for Parliament and could well be elected on 4th July as the MP for Clacton. It is very doubtful how keen he will be to devote time and attention the poor citizens of Clacton, though.
About Clacton… As you said, it’s not Bel Air or Knightsbridge. Nor, as a seaside town, is it Nice! The descriptors that immediately come to mind are depressing, sad, shabby, and, in parts, tacky. Clearly, the town has seen its best days.
But in fairness to Clacton, it is surely not alone. So many towns up and down the country look sad these days. Shopfronts right and left are so often boarded up. Brexit has taken its toll, of course; but so has the Internet with online shopping. When visiting a town outside of London or the home counties, salubriousness is not to be expected anymore, and if it is found, one must be surprised. – © Mark Alexander
