ChatGPT tells us the five worst things about Worcester

Artificial Intelligence has become a highly debated topic online, and the government is set to invest £100 million for a task force to develop AI models which can be used in fields such as healthcare and education.

Using chatgpt.org, we decided to ask it the five worst things about Worcester and we asked local historian and co-owner of Discover History, Paul Harding, his thoughts.

Traffic and Parking

Car parking and traffic was prominent on the list. (Image: Getty)

The chatbot said: "Traffic congestion and lack of parking space in the city centre."

Paul Harding said: "Every modern City will always have traffic congestion and how an old City like Worcester copes will always be a difficult one.

Regarding Parking, we do have visitors who book on our 6pm Worcester Story Walk say we have a good number of parking bays and car parks.

"Personally, some bays seem small, but cars have got bigger over the years and more people are buying 4x4 cars today.

"We have received a few comments that Disabled Bays are few and far between, and the Disabled Bays offer only 3hrs free parking.

"This would limit you to visiting one City attraction or maybe a few shops. Whereas somewhere like Stratford on the other hand offer free Disabled Parking all day.

Crime

Crime was listed as one of the worst things about Worcester according to ChatGPT. (Image: Newsquest)

The chatbot said: "High crime rate in certain areas, particularly in the city centre and some residential neighbourhoods."

Paul Harding said: "We live in a city, and by looking at the past and trawling through old newspapers and even the Calendar of Prisoners or Quarter Session records held at The Hive, you will see how we have always lived with crime.

"We do see more Anti Social Behavior being carried out by younger people than ever before. We have witnessed this during our guided tours.

"This can show Worcester in a bad light. A bigger Police presence would help a great deal.

"This is something at a national level that needs addressing. Gone are the days you would spot a 'spiked' helmet of Worcester City Police, on every street corner."

Limited Job Opportunities 

Limited job opportunities was also on the list. (Image: Getty Images)

The chatbot said: "Limited job opportunities in the area, leading to a brain drain effect where talented people leave for better prospects."

Paul Harding said: "We don't have much knowledge on this subject, because we have been self-employed as Discover History since 2003.

"However we do see jobs in the newspapers and we have had friends who have moved from one employer to another, all within the City of Worcester.

"I would hazard a guess this is the same in most towns and cities."

Public Transport

Woman on a bus. (Image: Getty Images)

The chatbot said: "Poor public transport connectivity to surrounding areas and major cities."

Paul Harding said: "Public Transport links are poor in some areas. We must never forget the attractions that are situated outside of the City Centre.

"These include the George Marshall Medical Museum and Elgar's Birthplace. These can sometimes be problematic to visit if you don't want to use your car to get there."

Leisure and Entertainment

The leisure and entertainment opportunities in Worcester made the list. (Image: Getty Images)

The chatbot said: "Lack of leisure and entertainment options, with few cultural events, cinemas or entertainment centres."

Paul Harding said: "This is something we are very passionate about. When I was growing up Tourism didn't seem to be a massive priority, however, this has changed massively.

"We thank everyone who has ensured this has changed over the years. We can all be negative about flooding, the historic buildings lost in the 1960s and things like potholes, however, we all need to embrace having a city that is vibrant, varied and unbelievably historic.

"I would recommend visiting the Visit Worcester website or even popping into the Tourist Office located in the Guildhall.

"The Tourist Office produces a 'What's on' guide every month and they display posters and leaflets of everything they are told is happening.

"We have so much and we should celebrate that by seeking out events and supporting them."