Michael German AM "Merthyr 'Bashing' Needs to End"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 9th Aug 2005

"I am very disappointed to see yet another example of 'Merthyr Bashing' by the media." This was Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Michael German's response to the Channel Four production entitled "The Best and Worst Places to Live in the UK" which airs at 8pm on 9th August.

Michael German, AM for South Wales East, said; "What did Channel Four hope achieve with its 'black and white' analysis? Every town and city in the UK has good points and bad points and to simply label Merthyr Tydfil as the worst place to live is irresponsible journalism. At the end of the day Channel Four wanted a cheap TV program, but what they didn't factor in was the cost to the places they are running down. It wasn't so long ago that the Daily Mail was having it's own cheap dig. How are the people of Merthyr expected to have pride in their town and in themselves, if the national media insists on continually focusing on their negative points?

"This reflex 'Merthyr Bashing' overlooks the many positive attributes of the region, including its beautiful scenery on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, rich industrial heritage and real sense of community, which I am sure is lacking in some of the 'better' places. If these journalists and TV producers stopped long enough to examine the bigger picture they would see a town on the up. Merthyr has a lot to offer."

Cerion Rees, local Liberal Democrat campaigner said: "I would be interested to know how the makers of Channel 4's "Best and worst places to live" came to the conclusion that Merthyr Tydfil ranks as one of the worst places to live

"It seems to me they based their conclusions on two dimensional on facts and figures, disregarding the bigger picture.

"Merthyr has a unique heritage and culture, which visitors to the town always comment on. It led the industrial revolution in the UK and you will not find a people more warm and welcoming.

"Though as a town it is not without its problems, I can't help think that the people at Channel Four have got this one very wrong."