Calling All Stokies ... Tonight Bbc2 9Pm ...

[ladybirder]

A programme called "Cops Like Us". I don't know Stoke on Trent. Is it as bad as this portrayal?

//Documentary following Staffordshire Police officers, who talk candidly about the frustrations of being on the beat in Stoke-on-Trent, one of the UK's most deprived cities. Filmed over six months, the series captures emergency response teams trying to combat a backlog of cases, as well as a rise in gang culture, hate crime and domestic violence. Interviews with the Chief Constable and his team also reveal how they manage their limited resources, and how they feel about the decisions they have to make\\

[nailit]

//Is it as bad as this portrayal?//
Havnt got a TV so dont give a flying whatever. Cant view it!
But Yes, its a dump...
(A-H or Tilly may have differing views)

[ladybirder]

Oh blow, I was hoping you would see my thread and watch it. It can't all be a dump surely. I'm going on Rightmove to see what the house prices are like there. That's usually a good indicator.

[Tilly2]

You'll be surprised at the prices, LB.

Will watch that on catch-up when I have a bit of spare time. :-)

[pixie374]

LB, the best indicator is to get a quote for car insurance...

[ladybirder]

OMG. I am so shocked at the house prices. You sure get a lot for your money. It must be bad:-(.
Do Tilly, and let me know what you think.

[ladybirder]

Yes Pixie I know, I've moved around the country quite a lot and prices can change drastically from one road to the next. Something I never even consider when making a choice of where to live.

[Tilly2]

The price of a terraced house, in Stoke-0n Trent itself, is comparatively low. However, a bit further afield, the prices are not so depressed. There are some beautiful places on the outskirts of the city with some lovely properties.

[ladybirder]

I've just looked at a 2b detached bungalow with good gardens sold for £160k Tilly. Doesn't name the area. Compare that to my 1b flat which would cost circa double that, wow!

[Ken4155]

Watched this programme and i'm fairly confident that Stoke could have been substituted by many a town or city in the UK. Maybe the police there were willing to be more candid about government cuts to the police force as a whole? I don't think I learned anything I didn't already know about how the 'Thin Blue Line' has been thinned considerably more during the last 10 years or so and how they have had to become part time social workers as well as policing their 'manor'.

[andy-hughes]

I can agree with Nailit that the city centre is now horrible, and to be avoided if possible.

I can also agree that there are many beautiful areas just outside the city with lovely houses - we are fortunate enough to live in one.

Our very long back garden stretches down to a rural canal, the boats chug up and down in warm weather, it's lovely.

[Tilly2]

We watched the first episode of this last night. It was very depressing but also uplifting to see the amazing work that those people are doing under very trying circumstances.

The fireman, moaning about the dishwashing process, did me make me laugh though.