STRATFORD has been named one of the best places to live in the UK.
The town is one of six locations in the Midlands to find its way onto The Sunday Times Best Places to Live in the UK list.
The Sunday Times’ expert judges visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the best of Britain. Stratford, The Malverns in Worcestershire, Bournville in Birmingham, Hathersage in Derbyshire, Market Harborough in Leicestershire, Shrewsbury in Shropshire and The Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire/Nottinghamshire all featured from the Midlands.
The Malverns was named the top place to live in the Midlands while Norfolk was crowned the overall Best Place to Live in the UK.
Stratford’s section in the Best Places to Live guide reads: “Behind the Shakespearean stage set, Stratford owes its place on our list to its impeccable family credentials. It’s a relaxed, pretty riverside town with some fabulous houses, huge areas of green space and schools to satisfy the most tigerish parents.
“The buzz – and income – provided by visitors helps to make the stunning town centre an appealing place to pass the time. There’s an Everyman cinema, a good selection of shops – both chains and independents – and the sociable Stratford Sports Club has well over 1,500 members playing cricket, tennis, hockey, squash and more.”
The chosen locations come in all shapes and sizes, from the best bits of big lively cities to the tiny, rural villages. The judges looked for thriving locations with a strong sense of community rather than famous names with high house prices.
Stratford MP Manuela Perteghella said: “There’s no better place to live than in this constituency, and I’m delighted that Stratford-upon-Avon has been recognised as one of the best places to live.
“Last year, Ilmington was given the accolade in the Midlands – a beautiful, chocolate box England village with a great sense of community and some wonderful village amenities.
“But this year, it’s Stratford-upon-Avon’s time to shine, and with it’s enviable array of hotels, restaurants, museums, cafes, theatres, pubs, attractions and sports clubs, coupled with great schools, green spaces and a great sense of community, it’s easy to see why the judges felt that this is a great place to live, and raise a family.”
Coun George Cowcher, Stratford District Couincil’s economic development spokesperson, added: “Stratford-on-Avon district is a superb place to live, centrally located with wonderful heritage set in beautiful Warwickshire countryside, it has a strong economy and a vibrant society.”
Visit www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-live for more details.
