London could expand and absorb Slough in a big shakeup of local government.
The UK’s town – ranked the “most miserable” and “most ugly”– could soon become part of the capital, according to council papers – but the prospect has left some bewildered.
No decision has been made, though the merger is to be discussed at Slough Borough Council’s cabinet meeting on Monday. Council papers noted that “further options may emerge through discussions with partners”.
Ideas to be presented before Slough’s politicians include merging with a west London council, with another possibility being an inclusion into the Greater London Authority.
It comes after the Berkshire town was named the most miserable to live in the UK by Rightmove, out of 220 places – with Woodbridge being the most pleasant town to live in.
Council papers say: “Considering Slough’s geographic position and unique characteristics, there are several potential avenues which the council can pursue in relation to devolution and reorganisation.”
Yet the town has often been the butt of jokes, especially after poet John Betjeman’s poem, which he opens with the famous lines: “Come, friendly bombs, and fall on Slough. It isn't fit for humans now.”
Ricky Gervais also mocked it in his stand-up – though he had his character in The Office, David Brent, write a more favourable ode to the town.
Many have expressed frustration about the potential move, with one person writing on Reddit: “It's bad enough to have [Slough] ‘touching’ London never mind the prospect of it becoming an actual part of London.”
“We don't want it”, another Londoner added on the social network’s forum.
“Surely that would make it even more miserable?” one person asked on social media site X.
Back in December, central Government published its English Devolution White Paper, which it said was part of its aim to hand more powers to local government.
