An Ode to Dewsbury

But who claims ‘delightful’?

Some may blow a raspberry

Would they be rightful?

We used to have a picture house

Val’s Cafe, The Broadway Grill

Now’s there only time to grouse

As circumstances prompt the kill

Poundstores and bookmakers

The latter promoting gambling loss

Those pawnshop gold takers

Suggesting desperation because...

Slowly, the names are going

Retail units ‘To Let’, increase

Albeit charity outlets growing

- Can they afford the lease?

One day, the market will be gone,

So will stalwart W H Smith

Boots will no longer belong -

Don’t believe it’s a myth

For when Wilkinson’s is in your sights

And the Post Office you should head

Remember - lack of investment blights

To render this town centre dead!

Andrew Gruberski

Lidgate Lane

Batley Carr