Burnley - (one of) the most racist town(s) in the UK? (Burnley)

Member Name: Trevor Hirst

Product:	Burnley
Date:	29/01/03 (113 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fabulous countryside, Football team, History

Disadvantages: Racism, Untidy streets, litter, Nowhere nice to eat

I lived in Burnley for about 19 years, before moving to Manchester in 1993 and then more recently to California. On a recent trip back to the UK, with a short stop in Burnley, I was appalled at just how racist the general populous of Burnley has become. I appreciate the irony that to tar everybody in the town with the same brush is equally bigotted, but any open-minded person can see it all around. Take for example some of the reviews on this web site (the prime reason I registered to write this review). And then visit the place and see the spray-painted swastikas on shop shutters (I do not exaggerate). When I worked in Burnley as a legal professional I could not believe the attitude of some of my colleagues - supposedly high-standing members of the community - who would think nothing of referring to their asian clients in the most derogatory manner. Indeed, the term "Paki" is so widely used that it is considered a normal part of the language.
The shame of it is that Burnley has a very interesting heritage and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Anybody visiting Towneley Hall, or the Weavers Triangle would agree. The hills around Cliviger and Pendle are superb, and the view over the town from Crown Point is fantastic.
Burnley will always be special to me, but the way it was, not the way it is. Yob culture has become so entrenched in the town and the racial separation and distrust is so strong, that I fear there is no hope that the town will now ever prosper. How very unfortunate.

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