The claim that Stockport is the second happiest place to live in the UK has been blasted by the recession-hit shop owners who have been slapped with high rent costs.
The research compiled in March by property website Rightmove.co.uk claimed that Stockport came second only to Harrogate in terms of average general happiness for every town in the UK.
The study also found that Stockport residents were also the most satisfied with their property decor and their amenities within the community, and had the most regional pride.
That announcement shocked many people, even those who have lived in Stockport their whole lives.
Yet the leader of Stockport Council, Sue Derbyshire, said: “It came as no surprise to me whatsoever to see that Stockport had been rated as the second happiest place in Britain to live.
“Residents’ wellbeing and happiness is a key council priority and it is very encouraging to see Stockport feature so highly in this survey.
“Stockport has a very strong sense of community: a thriving business community, excellent transport links, offers high quality education, has an historic market and can boast some of the best tourist attractions in the region.
“All of this will have greatly contributed to making Stockport such a happy place to live.”
MM conducted our own survey to see if the population’s mood has changed since March, and the results reveal that the town is divided.
Our survey discovered that the average happiness rating for residents is 8/10, but for shop owners it is only 5/10, a difference of 30%.
Many shop owners claims the reason for this is largely down to ‘astronomical’ rental charges, causing misery for small-business owners.
Ali Asghar, 35, of Big Saver Superstore, blamed his dissatisfaction with Stockport on the high rental charges: “Because the rent is so high shops are closing down which means there are less people with jobs, so there’s more crime now.
“It’s full of OAP’s, care home kids and hoodies which is not what Stockport used to be.”
Indeed, the single largest grievance that residents had about their area was that too many shops were being forced to close because they cannot afford the ever-increasing rent.
Jenny Tusson, 29, a life-long resident, said: “It’s depressing that all the shops are closing down, the recession has hit Stockport hard.”
However, people who do not work in the town centre or at least do not own their own business remain amongst the happiest residents in the UK.
Stephen Deane, 39, who has lived in the area his entire life, said: “The best thing about the place is the sense of community; everyone knows each other. The council is pretty good too, they’re very responsive.”
Not one person involved with the survey could fault their local council or the amenities on offer.
Another Stockport resident Paul Rigby, 39, when asked about Stockport Council, said: “I’ve lived here all my life and never had any problems with them.”
“Even though the weather’s rubbish and the place is pretty dingy, people make the most of everything. You’ve just got to smile, haven’t you?”
Fortunately, shop owners may be about to witness a return to the good old days as construction is well under way for the new Stockport Exchange development at Grand Central.
This will bring a new 50,000sq.ft office building and a 120-room hotel to Stockport, but Councillor Iain Roberts asserts that it will bring much more than just a new structure to the region.
He said: “This scheme will create jobs for local people and vastly improve the town centre for residents, workers, commuters and visitors.”
Image courtesy of Smabz Smutzer via Flickr, with thanks.
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