Hereford and Ledbury named as one of the Sunday Times' best places to live in the UK (From Ledbury Reporter)
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Hereford and Ledbury named as one of the Sunday Times' best places to live in the UK
12:13pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News
By Paul Rogers
Hereford has been named as one of the best places to live in Britain.
HEREFORD and Ledbury have been named as one of the best places to live in Britain.
During the past two weeks, The Sunday Times have showcased the “little Nirvanas” dotted across the UK.
Both Hereford and Ledbury were named as one of the 13 most desirable locations in the Midlands by Helen Davies and Eleanor Mills, which also included Malvern, Shrewsbury and Edgbaston in Birmingham.
The guide took into account transport links, quality of schools, natural beauty, low crime rate, property prices, cultural life and employment figures.
Each area was also assessed on its own individual assets, including a local festival or fascinating architecture.
“Scampering around Britain for my column, I find there are particular bits of our crowded island which always retain a particular attraction for people,” said Elaine.
“We have built on this basic information to create a definitive guide.”
Comments(40)
bobby47
says...
12:59pm Thu 21 Mar 13
I mean, it's lovely coming thirteenth in any competition just as long as there were more than thirteen competitors but, in all honesty, a little bloody Nirvana is stretching reality a bit isn't it?
Perhaps the girls were using predictive text and meant to say ' the people looked a little nervous'. Perhaps that's it!
Lets be honest, whoever finished behind us must be resident in some 'dog of a dive' place that is experiencing untold and unimaginable economic horrors.
mizza21
says...
2:04pm Thu 21 Mar 13
I love HEREford.
I can live pretty much where I want in the UK and I especially chose HEREford because it's beautiful, off the beaten track, safe and a nice place to raise kids.
The council is crap and some might say a bit incompetent, but compared to the unimaginable horrors of other local authorities we get off lightly.
I like to get my hands into the soil this time every year to plant my spuds and beans and cabbages and carrots and I love it love it love it.
I never had a garden as a kid, now I have a massive one.(and a garden hohoho)
mizza21
says...
2:04pm Thu 21 Mar 13
I love HEREford.
I can live pretty much where I want in the UK and I especially chose HEREford because it's beautiful, off the beaten track, safe and a nice place to raise kids.
The council is crap and some might say a bit incompetent, but compared to the unimaginable horrors of other local authorities we get off lightly.
I like to get my hands into the soil this time every year to plant my spuds and beans and cabbages and carrots and I love it love it love it.
I never had a garden as a kid, now I have a massive one.(and a garden hohoho)
Mr.Herefordian
says...
2:07pm Thu 21 Mar 13
Roger J
says...
2:08pm Thu 21 Mar 13
dippyhippy
says...
2:19pm Thu 21 Mar 13
Ubique5740
says...
3:04pm Thu 21 Mar 13
The word literally means "blown out" (as in a candle) and refers, in the Buddhist context, to the imperturbable stillness of mind after the fires of desire, aversion, and delusion have been finally extinguished.
I have also lived in a number of areas in the UK and beyond - I have had connections with this City since 1957. I lived in Torbay from 1995 to 2002 -moved from there because of the unemployable druggies and others who moved into the area from up north The Council , pubs and Clubs were forced to install blue UV lights in the public toilets so that the druggies could not jack up in there. So they moved onto public area,in full view of everyone . I would also add that there is at least one drug related death a month in that area.
So HERE in this County I believe that ,disregarding the Council, we should be fairly happy with our lot. I can assure you that there are plenty of worse places to live and work.
littlewhitebull
says...
3:13pm Thu 21 Mar 13
Sorry for that silliness. We do have a wonderful county and the city is not as bad as many others.
Yes, the council leaves a lot to be desired, but hopefully some new blood could change things.
I know we are apt to moan from time to time, but we do have a lot to be thankful for.
I do hope that Mizza only has green fingers!
billyb83
says...
3:34pm Thu 21 Mar 13
Mr.Herefordian wrote:develop over time you taking the p#ss we are behind by years nothing changes same hell hole its always been wages are crap the town is a dump only good thing about this city is the A49 out of here!!!!! leominster is more up to date!!!!!
Silly Billy, Were you born a prat or does it require a period when you start as a buffoon and then let it develop over time.
mizza21
says...
4:06pm Thu 21 Mar 13
you sound like you need some gardening therapy. I have a lots of beds in the garden what want cultivating.
I always do it with me bare hands and only use a trowel if neccessary.
I suggest you do the same.
Get your hands in the soil lad. Feel the earth and understand what you are and where you come from.
bobby47
says...
5:58pm Thu 21 Mar 13
Putting aside our beautiful places, which are many, the City is a place of ruin and our neighbouring Towns are much better geared up for the future than we, here in Hereford are.
Mind you, if I start taking a kicking, I'll quickly change my mind and change sides.
Mrslawrence66
says...
8:16pm Thu 21 Mar 13
HERE you can't.
Only so much greenery to look at.
dippyhippy
says...
9:08pm Thu 21 Mar 13
Hereford needs to promote the positives,as has been said before,we could make much better use of what was The Left Bank. The butter market and farmers market also needs help and assistance - they contribute a lot in terms of visitors and vibrancy. There is so much that could be done better,I would be here all night - but our beautiful countryside is something none of us should take for granted!!! More trees I say,the more the better!!
mizza21
says...
9:27pm Thu 21 Mar 13
If I wanted City Living I'd move to London, then I could moan about Boris.
Herefordshire is the most beautiful County in England.
I love it here. I raise a few animals and kids, tend my garden and occasionally give the wife a good old seeing to. (hence the kids)
My 9 to 5 job is crap and when I see the "Hereford you can" signs my heart lifts because I am nearly home.
Dippy. I want to open a great big cafe in the left bank.
It's a shame the lovely river Wye is not used more.
I'd have outside tables serving bowls of hot chips and mayonnaise and when the sun went down live bands every night.
Come on MrsLawrence. Get out and enjoy it. Go for a walk in the woods.
dippyhippy
says...
9:36pm Thu 21 Mar 13
Gillian1961
says...
12:51am Fri 22 Mar 13
Biomech
says...
2:35am Fri 22 Mar 13
However, throw in public services, shopping and quality of roads and it all falls apart.
It's all about the spin you see.
I read previously, incidentally, that Horrorford has/had the countries worst heroin problem....
bobby47
says...
11:59am Fri 22 Mar 13
Nowadays, they frequently travel to us to get their gear.
A few years ago Hereford, was up near the top of the Heroin league but that was based upon 'per capita' of population. Builth Wells was in a similar predicament.
Happily, that has now changed. Because of our rapidly increasing population we in Hereford are no longer near the top of this particular 'per capita' league.
See, there's a silver lining in just about anything.
Mrslawrence66
says...
12:33pm Fri 22 Mar 13
Maybe the Hereford Times should run a survey on the site linked with their Facebook page ( if they have one not a facebooker myself) so they get a younger view too.
Hi Dippy the offer still stands apparently !
Mrslawrence66
says...
12:34pm Fri 22 Mar 13
Mrslawrence66
says...
12:38pm Fri 22 Mar 13
With two children we do get out and about alot but there is only so much wood walking, bike riding and swimming to do. We just need more choice here.
Biomech
says...
1:08pm Fri 22 Mar 13
Does anyone get the Sunday Times?
Because it would seem that every town in the Newsquest media network (HT et al) appears on this list. There is an article online but I believe you have to pay a subscription to see it.
petet25
says...
8:06pm Fri 22 Mar 13
On the outside its seems a small, quiet town with historic values, a traditional cider making history which is located near to the countryside.
In actual fact its a dire, over glorified town with next to no jobs, where half the people in the town don't even speak english. Shops are closing down nearly every day and the few that are still open are overpriced. If you have lived there for more than a week and have a day off, your better off staying at home because the only thing to do is go to the pub.
It has a massive drug problem, yes all towns have their share but the amount of druggies in this town is too noticeable. People walking down the road drinking strong cider. Theres this group of old men who loiter around drinking spirits around town.
I would genuinely like to say some good things about the town but I cant.
Gillian1961
says...
10:23pm Fri 22 Mar 13
petet25 wrote:i agree with you, today i had to drop a job application form off at job centre for a place that is opening in may there was Dudes hanging around out side the job centre drinking special brew i expect they were waiting for there Giro's so they could go and buy some more
I'm not from hereford, I have lived in various towns across the UK (to do with work and being relocated) but I have to say hereford is the worst town I have been to let alone lived in.
On the outside its seems a small, quiet town with historic values, a traditional cider making history which is located near to the countryside.
In actual fact its a dire, over glorified town with next to no jobs, where half the people in the town don't even speak english. Shops are closing down nearly every day and the few that are still open are overpriced. If you have lived there for more than a week and have a day off, your better off staying at home because the only thing to do is go to the pub.
It has a massive drug problem, yes all towns have their share but the amount of druggies in this town is too noticeable. People walking down the road drinking strong cider. Theres this group of old men who loiter around drinking spirits around town.
I would genuinely like to say some good things about the town but I cant.
bobby47
says...
2:37pm Sat 23 Mar 13
We'd heard rumours that a stranger had been here to bear witness to our plight and its heartwarming to know that you've communicated your view of your dreadful experience here to the outside World.
As for our growing drug problem, whilst I only chew psilocybin mushrooms to deaden the pain and the misery, many of my fellow citizens who reside in this holding pen for Britains Got Talent, do elect more extreme illicit sedatives to escape their daily misery and, whilst one cannot condone this illicit activity, one has to empathise and understand their desperate need to get out of their minds as soon as they wake up and howl,'Still alive! Another day of slime and rat excrement.'
As for the heavy drinking and none of us speaking the same language, this to helps us all negotiate the hazards and misery of the day. We find that no matter how desperate and miserable we are, because we cannot communicate with oneanother and express our deep depression. This means that we do not make oneanother more miserable and this key factor is going some way to keeping down the suicide rate.
Finally, I'll take issue with you on one single piece of your excellent Posting.
You mention the loiterers as if loitering was a thing to be ashamed of. I'll be damned if I let this pass without supporting these men, and women, all are capable of gathering in groups and loitering, without adding some perspective on this rapidly growing Hereford phenomenon. These poor people loiter because they are bewildered and have no idea what to do with themselves as they wait for bedtime.
These are good people. Kind and Godly people who simply feel compelled to gather in groups and together, moan and groan about this, that and the bloody other in order to face the enormity of their problems, which is, living and breathing in this City of Ruin.
My warmest regards to you Pete.
milliemilo
says...
3:41pm Sat 23 Mar 13
alonewalker55
says...
9:56pm Sat 23 Mar 13
Biomech
says...
11:25pm Sat 23 Mar 13
But yes, you're right, if you don't like it, don't put up with it - have a look around, no one is, they might live here, but they shop in Cardiff or Worcester, travel to away for the Cinema, Bowling, entertainment. In fact most people I know in Hereford now frequent Swansea, Cardiff, Worcester and Cheltenham for nights out.
I went out last night (Friday), there must have been all of 15 people in Spoons. The popular sunday evenings you'll now frequently find yourself alone in places like The Hope Pole and The Imperial.
So yes, people don't like it and they are going elsewhere.
ArmadilloSackRace
says...
12:19pm Tue 26 Mar 13
Biomech
says...
12:31pm Tue 26 Mar 13
retrexs
says...
1:28pm Tue 26 Mar 13
littlewhitebull
says...
4:37pm Tue 26 Mar 13
In 2011, Herefordshire topped the list for the highest death rates on country roads with 0.76 deaths per 10,000 population.
Although there were more deaths in other counties the high rate for Herefordshire relates to density of population.
It was suggested that as rural areas are more isolated, help can take longer to arrive.
I think this may have been the year the HT has a big campaign because of the high rate of deaths/injuries on our roads?
Biomech
says...
6:24pm Tue 26 Mar 13
ArmadilloSackRace
says...
10:03am Wed 27 Mar 13
Biomech wrote:Greebo hole? Seriously? One of the many redeeming factors that the Barrels has in its favour is that there's a big mix of different people that are all very accepting of each other. With a judgemental attitude like that it's probably not the place for you.
Not a fan of the lich, but the Barrels does really well despite a semi reputation of being a greebo hole. I don't go there a lot, but when I do it's always nice.
Biomech
says...
12:12pm Wed 27 Mar 13
ArmadilloSackRace
says...
1:00pm Wed 27 Mar 13
Biomech wrote:I completely understood your point that you've enjoyed it whenever you've been there, but I still believe that even thinking of anyone as a 'greebo' means that the place is wasted on you. Why the need to judge people in such a way?
Thank you for fully reading and understanding my post....
Biomech
says...
1:12pm Wed 27 Mar 13
ArmadilloSackRace
says...
3:18pm Wed 27 Mar 13
Biomech
says...
3:27pm Wed 27 Mar 13
billyb83 says...
12:53pm Thu 21 Mar 13