IT IS autumn, which, in our house, signals one thing: Grand Designs is back on TV. If you don’t know the series, a quick synopsis: a family self-build a house and a TV crew record the process.

Normally, the homes are built as new, but the first week’s episode saw a family renovate instead. The building in question was a once glorious, now derelict, 1920s cinema. It was in a Yorkshire mining town that was trying to rebuild itself, but struggling in the face of economic challenges.

And so to Dursley and it being named a ‘Crap Town.’ Back in July, Dursley was nominated for consideration as one of the UK’s ‘crappiest’ towns in a controversial book entitled ‘Crap Towns.’

With the final list due to be published in a book on October 7, Dursley is now on the shortlist and the final decision of the town’s fate will be announced some time this month.

Since this ‘title’ was first hailed back in July, I have held off from saying anything until now. You see, on one hand, there is a lot of work still to do in Dursley.

Like many towns around the UK, Dursley has its fair share of 1970s toilet-block style buildings alongside decaying Victorian edifices that used to be tall and glorious back in their day. But there is another side.

During the 11 years I have been living in this area, I have seen so many good changes. There are flowers planted in the centre and entry areas into Dursley. The town council and tourist information buildings have been renovated and look smart.

Local traders are trying hard to provide varied, local shops. Heck, we even have a cracking little Italian restaurant now. And even the controversial arrival of big retailer, Sainsbury’s has been a positive addition.

And that’s why I am going to stand up in defence of Dursley. It’s not crap. It’s brilliant. Brilliant because it is doing something about making things better – and it’s working. And we can all be a part of it.

In Grand Designs, when the family renovated the old cinema to live in, it rejuvenated the town with locals feeling revived about their area. And we should do the same.

We should renovate, clean, tidy, campaign. We should be proud. Now that’s something I’d like to see Dursley nominated for.

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