I fail to see the problem?

[Atomic Gibbon]

AJS, Mdavis is entitled to an opinion just as everyone is. The fact that his opinion is the exact opposite of mine re. Northumberland doesn't make either of us entirely correct, or wrong.

I grew up on the border of northumberland and Newcastle upon tyne, and I only have fond memories of the place. Most of the towns and villages I go back and visit on weekends are prosperous places, full of interesting people who are friendly, polite, and from varied backgrounds. I've yet to go to a pub in Rothbury full of slack jawed unemployable idiots, but my experience might be different if I went at 3PM on a wednesday or whatever.

It is true that over the region, there is a high percentage of government employment. However, there are also a lot of call centres, banks, etc etc. I personlally think this isn't because noone works if there isn't a state job, but rather because the government site their offices that are not geographically specific based on costs, etc - Northern Rock now being state controlled will also be a contributing factor.

from your post I'm guessing you didn't like where you grew up, and moved away. I moved away out of necessity, and would move back in a flash if I could do my job based back there. Just goes to prove that one man's meat is another man's poison - so you should all go and visit and make up your own minds =)

[AJS-]

What I really think of it is that it's a lovely place, great sense of humour, friendly people and lovely countryside. I have friends and family there. I just hate the way it is in some ways, for the reasons above.