For our end of town, once dubbed an inner city slum, is now very much in demand.

However, if patience is a virtue then this correspondent must be among the most virtuous in the MidCoast Council area. It was way back in 1993 when we were persuaded to buy our hovel. It was a bargain, we were assured by a real estate agent who shall remain nameless.

“With this location, there’ll be investors and developers beating a path to your door,’’ he said.

“This is a goldmine.’’

In the 20 years plus since then, the only people who have beaten a path to our front door have been Jehovah’s Witnesses. And even they’ve given us the flick in more recent times.

We were told not to spend too much money upgrading the dwelling.

“Whoever buys this dump will knock it down and put in a decent place,’’ our real estate friend explained.

“Maybe they’ll keep the mango tree. But the rest will be flattened.’’

We were assured our stay in Struggle Street would be short. A couple of years roughing it at the most. Then, cashed up, we could head out to Taree West and live with the toffs. We’d join the ranks of the nouveau riche and life would be good.

As mentioned, that was in 1993. Much has changed since. The US has had four Presidents. The Manning Hotel has had four publicans. The Roosters have won two premierships. Yet we’re still in Struggle Street.

In that time we have had some work done to the place out of sheer necessity. The interior when we moved in would best be described as ‘Great Depression Chic.’ We’re not for one minute suggesting we'd now rate a mention in Better Homes and Gardens despite the minor improvements. Better Slums with No Gardens maybe, if such a publication exists. To be honest, after all these years we were starting to think Struggle Street would be our final resting place.

However, the times they are a changing, to steal from Dylan. 

These days there are all manner of professional-type people making inquiries about property in the Struggle Street environs. Just last Friday we received a letter from a local real estate firm asking if we were interested in putting our property on the market for there is ‘significant interest’ given our close proximity to local hotels and other places of interest.

Why, we further understand there’s a trucking company based up Nambucca way looking to establish a headquarters in the Manning, promising jobs and all sorts of things. Struggle Street may be just the place they’re looking for. We must let council know, for we’re sure they’ll do everything in their power to attract more business to the area.