West Kirby has been named as one of the best places to live in the North West by The Sunday Times.
Expert judges assessed a wide range of factors, from schools, transport and broadband to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street. The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list looks 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.
Trawden, Lancashire topped the North West list of the best places to live, followed by Altrincham and Christleton in Cheshire. West Kirby was in sixth place, behind Prestwich, in Greater Manchester, and Kirkby Lonsdale, in Cumbria.
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The ECHO spoke to visitors and residents to see what makes West Kirby so special to them. April McGoldrick, president of the West Kirby Rotary Club, was born and raised there, after living all over the world, she always finds herself back in her hometown.
One of the reasons April believes it is "so special" is due to the natterjack toad, a protected species, which they are currently painting a mural of near the beach where the amphibian can be found. April had tended to a lady from the midlands, who had collapsed, shortly before she spoke to the ECHO, she said: "I ran and got this lady some water, and offered her a cup of tea. She said to me that she wants to live here because there 'are people like you around'.
"West Kirby people, we are very special, a lot of people can think we’re snobs, we are not. We are genuine human beings with a heart of gold."
Gifford Tuner, who works at one of the many Ice-cream stalls near The Marine Lake, also praised the people of West Kirby and how nice they are. He went on to say how nice the housing and views are in the area also.
Jackie Toop was visiting the area, she said: "We come here for walking, there's a great beach, nice places to have lunch. The dog absolutely loves it as well."
Alison McDonald, West Kirby, said: "It is such a nice place to live, you feel very safe and everyone is so friendly. It is beautiful walking around The Marine Lake, great shops and schools, it is just a wonderful place."
The Sunday Times described West Kirby as: "A view across the Dee estuary and the choice of excellent independent cafés and bars add a sprinkle of magic to a town that’s perfect for both active downsizers and families – with excellent schools, sports clubs and trains to Liverpool. "
You can see the full list on The Times' website here.
