Residents rage: ‘This is not one of worst towns!’
ANGRY REACTION TO FIRM’S NATIONAL PROPERTY SURVEY
ANGRY residents have leapt to Arnold’s defence after a survey said it was one of the worst places to live in Britain.
Garrington Property Finders carried out the study, compiling a list of more than 1,300 places, ranking them based on factors including natural beauty, quality of life and architectural beauty.
But only places where 95 percent of homes have access to superfast internet made the cut – meaning that not every area in the country was listed, and there are some fairly high-profile omissions.
Bath came top of the national list, followed by Tenby in Pembrokeshire and Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire.
But Arnold’s overall rank was 1352 out of 1372 – making it one of the very “worst” places to live in the country. But residents have hit back. They say they love the town, the people in it and what the community has to offer.
Dayne Lowe has worked at the MSR Newsgroup shop on High Street for 13 years.
He said the rating was “unfair”, adding: “I’ve seen lots of different people come and go in this store and everyone is really very friendly. I think the town has a lot going for it. I don’t think anyone here will agree with that survey.
“Like everywhere there and positives and negatives, but I can think of areas people would much rather not want to live.”
Harriet Unwin, who has lived in Arnold for 35 years, was “disappointed” that it had been ranked so low.
The 77-year-old said: “You’ve got to take it with a pinch of salt.
“I know lots of people who don’t live here but they’ll be here to shop.
“The town is going through changes, but I think after Covid it will be on the up. There’s a great community spirit.
“I like the investment coming in with the market works and there are lots of nice businesses here that we need to make the most of.
“It might not be as picturesque as some parts of the country but we’re more than that – we are good people.”
Michelle Green, 50, a resident of the town for nine years, added: “I think we have some of the best schools in the area. We’re very close to Gedling Country Park which is a beautiful space to visit.
“I always look at property up for sale in the area and it is never on the market for long. That tells me all I need to know. It’s not like people are avoiding the area.
“I think it’s harsh on the rating but I am happy with where I live and I know others are too.”
■■ ARNOLD’S RANKINGS:
■■ Overall rank: 1352/1372
■■ Natural beauty rank: 1284/1372
■■ Quality of life rank: 1035/1372
■■ Architectural beauty rank: 1276/1372
■■ Average family home cost: Up to £350k
■■ Rank in price band: 652/661