Liverpool's poor image stems mainly from the early 1980s recession which effectively destroyed the local economy as the docks collapsed, leading to the disaster of Hatton's Militant Tendancy taking over the city council. Also the Boys from the Blackstuff, although startlingly accurate in its portrayal of the urban desolation and despair that took hold, did not contribute to a positive image either.
That was a long time ago, and it is increasingly embarassing to have to listen to ignorant and prejudiced football fans who have never visited the place and fail to realise that things have changed in the last 30 years still singing about "signing on2 and "never get a job" etc. The city centre has been rebuilt in the last five years, and although the local economy is far too dependant on tourism, retail, and the public sector, it still gives off a much more positive vibe than much of the so-called affluent south.
Having said that the north end around Anfield still resembles a bomb site. Some of the streets about 300 yards from the Anfield stadium are still the worst slums I have ever seen.
Can't argue about Wolverhampton. If the University, Wolves and Asda moved out of town there would be very little employment at all. A lot of the outlying suburbs are very run down, although there are some very nice areas because with the M6 is is very hand for commuting.
I've only been to Cov a few times, but the City Centere is very nice.
I lived in West Bromwich for just over six months and what a huge contrast that desperate place was compared to the sunny south. Walsall was much the same. How they love their Baggies and hate Wolves though!
I liken the relationship the Midlands has with the South to that of Marx's theory on Landowners and Workers.
would not swap liverpool for anywhere else in the country.