Saddleworth named in top places to live in Britain

SADDLEWORTH HAS been named as one of the best places to live in Britain by the Sunday Times.

The survey combines data and statistics including crime rates, house prices and school performance with the expertise of the newspapers’ writers.

Saddleworth was one of 12 places in the North West to be included in the list, while Whalley in Lancashire was crowned best in the region.

Locations were based on factors such as quality of life, positive community spirit, good shops and services and attractive outdoor spaces.

However, life seems to be not so rosy for Oldham as it was recently named the most deprived town in England by an official study into housing and poverty.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) carried out the study of cities and towns in England and Wales, considering income, employment, health, education, skills and training and crime.

The study also looked at disability, access to housing and the built environment.

Oldham was found to contain the highest proportion of deprived areas, with West Bromwich in second place, while Guilford was the least deprived.

Oldham Council Leader Jean Stretton wrote on her blog that the news “hurt like hell” and she has defended the town and its growing list of developments.

She said the only focussed on centrally-located wards near Oldham town centre but big districts like Royton, Shaw, Failsworth, Chadderton and Saddleworth were not included.

She added the survey is based on data from the 2011 Census – five years ago – and pointed to dramatic changes since then, including the Metrolink extension and Prince’s Gate regeneration plans.