An Oakham opinion piece shared last week by local lady Ann Ellis provoked a great deal of discussion from Oakham residents about the upkeep of Oakham town centre.

Ann highlighted the "sad and neglected" aspects of the town that she feels require some attention. Read her opinion here.

Since then, Tricia Mulvany, a long term Oakham resident and ex-shop owner, has joined the conversation, emailing Oakham Nub News to share her views on this provocative topic.

Tricia wrote: "I read with interest Ann Ellis's comments about the state of Oakham centre. 

"In years gone by, shop owners were proud of how their shop looked to potential customers . My own mother and grandmother had shops in Oakham, as did I. We all swept, weeded and sometimes washed our shop fronts and the path in front. 

"Now, even big companies like Boots don't bother. I've emailed various shops to ask if something be done, but nothing has happened. I know businesses are short of spare cash, but surely it doesn't take long to check the front of the shop first thing in the morning? Some properties desperately need painting too! In fact, the waffle shop owners have left their shop in better condition than some other shops still trading."

The Waffle Bowl, whose owners Tricia praises for leaving in a tidy state.

Tricia concluded: "I am aware that there are far more important things happening in the world today: but that doesn't mean we can't keep our area looking more welcoming.

"Thank you for the opportunity to express how I've felt for a while."

While Tricia's thoughts appear to mirror those of many Oakham residents, there are groups of volunteers working hard to spruce up Oakham and the local area.

This weekend, on Saturday the 7th of May from 9am, Oakham in Bloom are hosting a fundraising Tombola. All funds raised will be used to support the volunteers planting flowers and bulbs in and around the market town.

Find out more here.

Alternatively, join the conversation by emailing [email protected].

Do you have any quibbles to raise or compliments to share? We can't wait to hear about them and share them in our next 'Oakham opinion' piece, so get in touch.