Residents of West Kirby can today bask in the glory of being told their town is one of the nicest places to live in our region.

The added bonus of league tables of towns like the one published by the Sunday Times is that property prices tend to be given a nudge in the right direction.

One of six towns praised, West Kirby is singled out for its "view across the Dee Estuary and the choice of independent cafes and bars add a sprinkle of magic to a town that's perfect for both downsizers and families - with excellent schools, sports clubs and trains to Liverpool".

The latter is a good point, hence the recent Heswall Nub News petition to Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram pointing out that future transport policy should embrace a direct rail connection between Heswall and Liverpool.

The Sunday Times also states that the average price of a house in West Kirby is £409,064, a 14% increase since 2020. The numbers were supplied by Halifax, which sponsors the new 'Best Places to Live' guide.

The Sunday Times adds that their "expert judges behind the guide assess a wide range of factors, from schools, transport and broadband to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.

"They look to celebrate improving towns, villages or city centres, attractive, well-designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit – which the pandemic has shown to be the most vital quality of all."

Interestingly - well, to me at least - the North West winner is the village of Trawden in Lancashire.

The Sunday Times asks: "Is this the most community-spirited village in the country? Trawden's triumph in buying and saving its shop, pub and library – and running them to the highest possible standard –makes this unsung corner of Lancashire an example to the rest of rural Britain and a worthy "best in the North West". The countryside is stunning, too, and Manchester and Leeds are both within manageable commuting distance."

The average house price in Trawden is £186,000, a 22% increase since 2020.

Trawden is a place I know well, and in December last year Heswall Nub News mused that the town and district might have something to learn from its example.

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