What to do with this blog

I haven't posted for a while as I wanted to sort out what I was going to do with the blog. Up to now I have been rambling about anything and everything. Not any more. I am going to concentrate on North Devon. I love this area and although I am not a native of North Devon I am a native of the west country. For 60 odd years I have lived in the area and observed the way it is going and lately I cannot say I like what I see.
In the years that have passed into history the area was a popular holiday destination for young and old alike. It was looked after, cared for and loved by those living here. The tourist was welcomed with open arms and valued individually. Trouble was taken to ensure that they had a good holiday and when they left they went with a knowledge that they would be welcomed back at any time.
Whats gone wrong? most of the area looks run down and in need of some TLC. Projects start and never get finished. Shops leave their window displays untouched for years on end. No one seems to be making that effort needed to attract the visitor. OK councils are making a sort of effort and one or two of the traders have joined in and that's good BUT what is needed is for the rest of the population to take it on board and do their bit as individuals.
If everyone in the area decided to make this the ideal destination and actually did something to make it so, it would work. Litter taken home or put in one of the many bins provided. Picking up that bit of litter that everyone walks over. Tidy up the garden so it looks cared for. Clean the windows and if needed a lick of paint to restore the jaded woodwork. If the area looked clean and tidy that would make a good impression on anyone coming here. Shop keepers, change your window displays at least once a month and get your staff to smile on the odd occasion.
This is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and if we the locals appreciate that and care for it, the visitors would see it in a better light and maybe come back a bit more often, bringing their wallets with them.
I have my web site,www.tour-devon.com, I do because I love the area. I don't do it to make a profit, in fact it cost me a lot to keep going. I struggle most of the time to pay the bills related to it and I will keep on struggling because I want to show this area to the world and what it has to offer visitors and locals I believe is worth showing.
Wouldn't it be nice if everyone around here took pride in the place. Let's be honest, there is a lot about it to be proud of.
I don't remember when but on the TV the other night a tourist information person commented that the majority of visitors to the area are returning ones. Giving an impression that because a lot do return there is no need to worry or do anything to attract more. Yes many do return but many more, that used to, don't. Why? Because they see the places slowly running down. How many hotels and guest houses have closed in the past couple of years. It's a lot. How many half finished building projects are there?
As I said, I love the area and hope to end my days here. What I would really love to see is a return to the family values that made the place so popular in Victorian times. Lets give the visitor a holiday they will never forget because they were looked after so well.