I visited a seaside town dismissed as a "s***hole" but I have to agree with locals who told me it's a "wonderful" place. Most of the residents and visitors I met defended Poole when I was in the town last week. A few others complained about the High Street, antisocial behaviour and "no go areas".
Debbie Smith, 57, moved to Poole from London eight years ago with her husband, John Smith, and said neither of them want to go back. She told me: "We love it here. There's lots of restaurants.
It's accessible in lots of places. A lot of people put down Poole, but I think it's wonderful." The full-time carer said the Dorset town is friendly, clean and especially in the summer there is always something going on.
Mrs Smith said: "We have no regrets about moving." We were speaking on the town's quayside on a sunny September day as visitors ambled past yachts and tour boats lining the harbourside, which boasts views across to Brownsea Island and RSPB Arne nature reserve. Debbie described Poole as an ideal point to explore the surrounding area as well, recommending nearby Knoll Beach, Lake Pier, Durley Chine and Studland.
Poole's tourism website also hails the town's maritime heritage, pottery industry links, bustling Old Town and "fabulous" eateries. Husband and wife Leigh Williams, 67, and Jayne Williams, 64, from Bognor Regis, were spending a day in Poole. Jayne told me: "We absolutely love it.
We always come to Poole. There's so much to do. There are lovely cafes and restaurants - it's.