I was born and brought up in the area and I lived there until I was 21. I am now 43 but have made regular visits back as my parents still live there, but my last visit in December 2009 really upset me.
I could not believe how the place had changed, and not for the better. My husband was with me, who is a southerner, and he felt the same. We went down roads we had not been down for many years, namely Headfield Road. The once beautifully kept houses and gardens were gone, the area was run down and the amount of rubbish around the roads amazed us. As we navigated other roads in the area we were horrified by the mess and the appalling smell.
We ventured into the town centre and I hardly recognised it, where were all the lovely shops that used to be there? What had happened to its renowned market? The town was full of tatty shops and the market was like some third world experience.
We saw men and boys spitting in the streets – it was actually very intimidating to walk around the town.
I could cry about what it was like, even our train ride to Leeds with my elderly father was an ordeal. The train was dirty and we had to endure antisocial behaviour, unable to move or say anything for fear of reprisals.
I am sad to say that I am ashamed to admit that I come from Dewsbury. If it were not for my family being there, who would rather not be, I would never ever go back there again.
SARAH AMBRIDGE
Hornsbury Hill
Chard
SOMERSET