Slough, once vibrant, now struggles with crime and a dismal reputation, leaving locals shocked by its decline and bizarre public antics
A guy named David Leafe shared his experience, saying it’s a spot where locals do some pretty wild things in public. He noticed abandoned shops and a strong smell of cannabis lingering in the air. It’s a far cry from the Slough he remembered from his childhood in the 1960s.
Local business owner John Hughes had some jaw-dropping stories. He mentioned seeing a man doing his business right on the street and a couple getting frisky near Boots in broad daylight. It’s like people just don’t care anymore, even with public toilets nearby.
Slough used to be a lively place with shops and crowds, but now it’s a shadow of its former self. Ken Fletcher, a retired quarryman, expressed his sadness over the state of the High Street. He reminisced about how busy it used to be on weekends, but now it’s just grim. Many locals prefer to shop elsewhere.
The town is also grappling with rising crime rates. In 2024, shoplifting cases skyrocketed by 51%. The local police and council are overwhelmed, especially after the council went bankrupt in 2021.
With the town’s redevelopment looking bleak, thanks to financial troubles and unfulfilled promises from investors, it seems Slough has a long way to go to shake off its miserable label. Just like that lingering smell of cannabis, it’s tough to get rid of a bad reputation.
