Slough’s reputation as Britain’s biggest ‘s***hole’ is being linked to Ricky Gervais and his iconic sitcom The Office
The show, which aired over 20 years ago, painted Slough in a pretty dreary light. It showcased some not-so-great spots like rundown pubs and industrial areas. Remember that poem David Brent read? It didn’t do the town any favors.
A local charity boss, Samina Hussain, is fed up with the stigma. She says once a place gets a bad name, it’s tough to shake it off. Recently, Slough was voted the unhappiest place to live in the UK, and it’s also been called the ugliest town.
Writer David Leafe, who grew up there, went back to see how things were. He was greeted by a guy on crutches who bluntly told him to write that Slough is a complete dump. Not the warm welcome he expected!
David described the High Street as a sad sight, filled with empty shops and a lot of places that just don’t look inviting. It’s a far cry from its bustling past.
Crime and drugs are also big issues, with some saying it’s one of the most dangerous towns in the area. And with a high rate of homelessness, things aren’t looking great.
Even Ricky Gervais has expressed his sadness about the town’s decline. He once tweeted about the demolition of a building featured in The Office, showing he still cares about the place that helped launch his career.
So, while Gervais might be getting the blame, it seems like Slough has a lot more going on than just a sitcom’s legacy.