Siberia? Why Telford has the last laugh over 'moaning' Stoke

The announcer tells the passengers where the train is, causing great hilarity and creating an instant You Tube sensation as he adds the words: "Beware of gipsies and pickpockets".

A team of scientists devise a theoretical plan to nudge an asteroid out of its solar orbit and sent it hurtling towards an "average" town in the heart of England. Their choice? Telford.

A popular prime time TV quiz show describes Telford town centre as being "at the end of the universe".

And finally, this week, a Midlands newspaper runs a feature about a BBC2 documentary on Russian princesses who were sent to Siberia, ending the article: "If you don't know what Siberia is like, visit Telford."

They are four examples that span more than a decade, yet they have a running theme – that Telford has become the nation's "whipping boy" – a symbol of bog standard, or nothingness or at worst, of the worst possible place to find yourself visiting or, heaven forbid, living in.

Today the Shropshire Star once again finds itself defending the town against its detractors.

The train announcer, speaking earlier this year, can be forgiven perhaps for making a joke at Telford's expense, although unprofessional, was probably said tongue in cheek.

Comedian Jimmy Carr, speaking in an early episode of QI, was attempting to do what he is paid to do. It wasn't very funny though.

The scientists made their study back in 2001. They insisted they had nothing against Telford, but it raised a few eyebrows at the time. We shall give them the benefit of the doubt.

But a link between Telford and Siberia? Come on!

The Siberia jibe was made by the Stoke Sentinel, which was clearly attempting to deflect attention from its own city.

Stoke is a proud place, with great people, rich industrial heritage and one-and-a-half decent football teams. But to criticise Telford is a bit rich!

Telford is a wonderful town with a growing economy, an expanding population and a very bright future. Paradoxically, it is a new town with a rich and diverse history on its doorstep in Ironbridge – an area that defined Britain's industrial age.

• Where would you rather spend a day – Telford or Stoke? Vote in our poll and have your say in the comment box below.

Anyone who lives here knows about the quality of life it can offer, with Southwater an added attraction to a town centre that already has one of the Midlands' best shopping centres. The town centre park is imaginative and groundbreaking. It is about the host T-Live, where some of Britain's best acts will appear on stage.

Earlier this year, Telford came out in the top 10 in a survey of Britain's towns and cities.

As well as 10th place nationally, Telford was named the happiest place in the West Midlands, according to the Rightmove Happy and Home Index.

It even leap-frogged county neighbour Shrewsbury, which fell from 26th nationally last year to 29th this year, Telford jumping 23 places.

Those who help to lead Telford today disputed its bad reputation, insisting it is a brilliant place to be associated with.

Telford & Wrekin Council leader Kuldip Sahota was incredulous at the link to Siberia, adding: "Stoke is comparing us to Siberia? Is that why our economy grew by 3.7 per cent last year, when regionally it only grew by 1.7 per cent?

"Economically we're a growing town, we're building houses, with Southwater we're creating jobs, there are investments coming in – we might even have the Ministry of Defence's logistics hub by next Christmas.

"Telford is a new town, it is a vibrant town, we've got it all."

MP for the Wrekin, Mark Pritchard, who covers part of Telford, said: "One of the most important parts of Telford are its green areas, and that is something that needs to be protected.

"But what makes Telford very special is its people."

David Wright MP for Telford, said: "I've lived in Telford all my life and I love the place. The people are warm-hearted and full of humour.

"We have a great industrial heritage and superb environment and forward-looking mindset."

Compare and contrast the areas:

Telford – forward thinking:

Telford isn't without its problems, but it has a strong sense of identity and people who live in the town are generally proud of it.

The £250 million Southwater redevelopment is a symbol of the ambitions the town has to hold its importance as a major urban centre in the Midlands.

Just four years ago, where the development now stands, was a lake and park land.

Now it marks the future of the economy and night life of Telford – making it a destination for people from across Shropshire and the West Midlands.

The redevelopment of Southwater will create a new vibrant heart for Telford town centre and will be complemented in time by the planned £200m redevelopment of Telford Shopping Centre.

Southwater One houses a new library alongside Telford & Wrekin council's customer First Point as well as a Costa Coffee outlet.

There is a new Premier Inn and an 11-screen Cineworld Imax cinema that is bigger than anything that the entire Black Country has to offer.

Stoke – town of 'moaners':

While Telford looks to the future, it appears Stoke-on-Trent's problem is harking to the past.

It is a city with a great deal to offer, but its "moaning" population put potential investors in the city off, according to its own council chief executive.

John Van De Laarschot said too many people focussed on things in the past rather than be positive.

And Staffordshire University professor Mick Temple agreed, saying there was a culture of "being down on the city".

Mr Van De Laarschot said: "Would you go and live somewhere where you thought everything was pretty successful, pretty positive and pretty friendly, or would you go somewhere where actually everyone complains about it, saying it's a bit of a dump?

"You would probably pick to go somewhere nice. Our challenge is changing that perception of this great city of ours."

Prof Temple said the chief executive was "certainly right that we need to be proud of what we've got in Stoke-on-Trent".

Living in Telford is just great, say shoppers:

It may be looked down on by some people, but the residents of Telford say they love living in the town.

Shoppers at the Wrekin Retail Park said there's nowhere they'd rather live and think more people should be willing to give their home town a chance.

Julia Lucas, 36, a full-time mother of Lawley, thinks that Telford is "a friendly place with lots of nice areas and plenty of easily-accessible amenities", and that she has "no idea why other people dislike it. It has everything you need".

Martin Streames, a 61-year-old safety steward at Telford Football Club agrees, saying: "There are plenty of good shops and restaurants, and people always seem to be happy and smiling."

Although the Hollinswood resident does add: "Perhaps the bad reputation comes from the high levels of unemployment in the area."

Though unemployment may be a factor in people's perception of Telford, it is hardly unique to the area. So what is it that gives Telford its bad reputation?

Retired Broseley resident John Staek added: "It all depends on personal view. Maybe the people who dislike Telford have just had bad experiences when they've visited."

Mr Staek,73, also praised the "quiet residential areas around the town".

But the residential areas are not the only thing that local people love about Telford. Everybody we spoke to had great praise for the lively shopping centres and retail parks and the abundance of shops, supermarkets, and restaurants which are so easy to find and access.

Josh Bloor, 17, a student from Hadley, said: "There are loads of things to do around Telford and the shopping is pretty good."

Damian Booth, of Wellington, also 17 and a student, added: "The new building work is really helping the town, and there's always something going on."

Aside from the regeneration of the town centre, Telford residents also praise the reliable public transport.

"The bus links are excellent," said Emma Woodhouse, a 36-year-old teacher from Woodside. "And there are loads of great shops. Maybe people from outside Telford don't like its lack of a defined town centre?"

Finally, 44-year-old surveillance officer Andy Williams, from Newport, said: "The parking in Telford is terrible, but the shopping is first rate so people put up with it and will travel to use the shopping centres and supermarkets."