In 2009, Wolverhampton was described as the fifth worst city in the world and in 2018 voted the second worst in Britain. Its motto is OUT OF DARKNESS COMETH LIGHT.
Of course, these placings mean nothing substantial, and in my opinion there are far worse cities in England than Wolverhampton: which, of course, leaves plenty of room for urban hideousness.
I went there recently to dinner, to a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant. Most of the roads nearby were closed to traffic, it was difficult to find a place to park and I went round and round in circles for about half an hour. Access even to pedestrians was closed off, often without warning, so that one had to retrace one’s steps.
While I was driving in a state of increasing frustration,…
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The Critic (Digital) - 1 Issue, February 2023