A UK market town has been named the worst in its county, with a content creator claiming it “stinks of dog food”. The content creator behind the YouTube channel Turdtowns discussed in a recent video what he thought were the “worst” towns in Herefordshire, and Leominster topped his list.
He said that though it is the largest of the county’s five towns, he thought there still isn’t much to do there. The YouTuber claimed that any tourists would be put off by Leominster, saying that it feels the town’s “almost given up” and is a “depressing hellhole”. He noted empty ‘Leominster in Bloom’ displays and numerous closed businesses in the town centre, claiming he had nothing positive to say about it.
Yet, the YouTuber did say there were lots of “lovely historic buildings”. However, he added, lots were closed or even derelict, which he branded as “Oliver Twist stuff”.
In recent months, reports emerged within the Leominster area about a strong, unpleasant odour emanating from a plant in the industrial park.
The plant is a food processing facility, and the odour is believed to be related to the processes, potentially including the handling and storage of ingredients such as fish, used to produce pet food.
Leominster, in Herefordshire, is located at the confluence of the River Lugg and the River Kenwater.
Visit Herefordshire described Leominster as a “historic town” that is “charmingly down-to-earth”, with medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings in the centre and castles and manor homes in the surrounding area.
The town is also called an “antiques Mecca” with a wealth of stores that have brought Leominster onto TV screens through shows like Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt.
The tourist site also says there is a “treasure trove” of independent shops and cafes, including delis and galleries, waiting to be explored.
In the surrounding area are Leominster Priory, the Queenswood Arboretum, Hampton Gardens, Easters Wood, Docklow Pools, and Berrington Hall.
Grange Court, one of the historic houses dotting the town and dating back to the 17th century, is one of the landmarks much appreciated by visitors. One wrote on TripAdvisor: “This building originally stood in the market square & has been dismantled, moved, adapted and rebuilt. The fact it still exists after 400 years alone makes it worth a visit. Free entry and the modern extension doesn’t detract from the original building. Fantastic setting at the end of the green and there’s a café inside as well. Well worth a visit if you’re in town.”
Another said: “This is a lovely building, with a lovely garden, in a very lovely area. Well worth a visit, if you’re in the area.”
The Express has contacted Leominster Town Council for comment.