Not all of town are grumblers

David James wrote a poem about Craven Arms, containing 34 lines. I had thought of replying briefly in rhyme, but my sense of humour has deserted me, and I have mislaid my rhyming dictionary.

Not all Craven Arms folk see things the way this moaning minnie does and grumble incessantly about matters here.

It is getting a real bore, and puts Craven Arms in a very bad light.

Some motorists willingly part with their parking-fee money and do not, like the other Scrooges, search around, trying to spot a bit of "free parking", often inconveniencing others in the process.

Moreover, what will we find on their shopping lists? Quite likely junk food, their scratch cards, their cigarettes, their lottery tickets and booze, and are happy to make use of the super new loos (without charge), the Onny Meadows to walk their dogs, and the library, et cetera.

As for the other "mistakes" inflicted on Craven Arms, it is quite likely that if enough residents had protested at the relevant times, then there would be nothing to complain bitterly about now.

As it is at present, we are in danger of drifting back to the old days of being regarded as living in an inferior, second-class town.

The fact is that Craven Arms has actually become a vibrant, modern, happy and challenging place, with all facilities conveniently at hand, and without any doubt (often not appreciated and taken for granted) in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Count your blessings David James, Craven Arms poet laureate.

D Nightingale, Craven Arms