A small town in the UK has gained the unusual reputation of being the country's "angriest city".
This is Tavistock, which has become known for its residents' strong resistance to large corporations and their efforts to protect local businesses and cultural heritage.
This town in the county of Devon gained this reputation after a series of local campaigns. One of the most famous cases occurred in the early 2000s, when residents succeeded in removing a McDonald's restaurant, arguing that such a chain did not fit in with the historic character of the town.
The “angriest city” label was reinforced again in 2019, when residents mounted a vigorous campaign to stop the construction of a Premier Inn hotel on a central car park. They feared the project would harm the area’s small, family-run guesthouses and independent businesses.
The term has also spread on social media. Content creator Phil Carr, who has more than 73 followers on Instagram, used the tag satirically in a video about the town. He said he expected to find Tavistock very traditional and free of big corporations, but was surprised to see that the town also had well-known brands such as Tesco, Boots, Lidl and Wetherspoons. He humorously commented: “God knows where McDonald’s and Premier Inn went wrong.”
During his visit, he noticed that the Tavistock Museum was closed and decided to take a walk on The Viaduct Walk. This scenic path follows part of the old London and South West Railway line, which closed in 1968.
The path is part of the popular Drake's Trail, a walking and cycling route that connects Tavistock with Plymouth. It is popular for its panoramic views over the town's rooftops, Tavistock Abbey and the distant landscape of Dartmoor.
Although Carr's video was a bit harsh, it received over 15 likes. Several commenters defended the town. One wrote that he liked the McDonald's that used to be in Tavistock because it was closer than the one in Plymouth.
Another said it was positive that residents could protest and achieve what they wanted. While others described Tavistock as a beautiful town, with everything a community needs - including a traditional market behind the town hall. /GazetaExpress/
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