Another day, another commentator gives an opinion about the BBC move to Salford. This time it is boorish Jeremy Clarkson’s turn to show his ignorance about ‘a small suburb with a Starbucks and a canal with ducks on it.’
Such pathetic attempts to belittle the move, the place and its inhabitants are becoming as boring as the Top Gear presenter.
The premise that talent starts and finishes in London and that MediaCity, a sparkling symbol of modernity and vibrancy, cannot hope to compete is not just hopelessly inaccurate but utterly disingenuous.
If the Doncaster-born motormouth is not aware that the Salford he describes bears no relation to the reality he should know better – or at least come up with something original.
For these arguments touted by those who make a living out of the BBC – and our licence fee – are simply tired. Give us a break, please.
And for the record Mr Clarkson, here are a few truths about Salford which you could have gleaned by popping in for a cappuccino in any number of trendy cafes. Salford is the birthplace of some of Britain’s finest actors, artists, film-makers, and literary heavyweights.
While many had to move to London out of necessity because the arts world was so London-centric, that world is changing.
Take the example of award-winning actor Maxine Peake, who couldn’t wait to move out of London and to Salford – a city, not a suburb, that is exciting, friendly and offers her everything that London could... and more.
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Typically poor research from Mr Clarkson. A quick check of the Starbucks store locator shows that Salford does not in fact have a Starbucks.
Is Maxine Peake going to *live* in Salford though? I do note how many of those who gain fame in Manchester and Salford like to be noisy about their roots, then proceed to find a nice country place a couple of hundred miles away as soon as their career allows.
As for Clarkson, just wait until he hears about Salford wishing to enforce the construction of an electric car charging point in new builds. That ought to be a red rag moment.
i think its about time the BBC stopped hiring people who readily show contempt for, anywhere, that isn't south of the Waford Gap. Do we really want to pay the wages of these Northophobes. I certainly don't.
While i'm on the subject, London, for too many years, have monopolised our entertainment industry, along with sports stadia, sports events etc, and its about time the rest of the british economy, had a slice of the that cake.
I'm getting getting fed up of hearing the whinging from so called BBC 'Stars' to be quite honest.
If they don't like the idea of commuting (note i didn't say living) to Salford - start handing out the P45s. This lot need one serious reality check.