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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Lottie Gibbons

21 things you only know if you grew up on the border of Merseyside

Living on the outskirts of an area has its positives and negatives.

From public transport woes to stunning countryside walks and village fêtes, there are many ups and downs to being on the fringe of a city.

And there are a few things that only people who grew up just outside the region understand.

Many of us will have had unique adolescent experiences. Here are a few you might recognise if you grew up on the border of Merseyside.

Knowing everyone at secondary school

While pupils in cities often have some options over what school they attend, you won't get that privilege.

But it does mean your primary school friends become friends for life.

Community fairs are a thing

Gathering with people in your area to celebrate the changing seasons is a done thing in rural villages and towns.

Expect 'Hook A Duck' booths, coconut shies and lots of raffle stalls.

Everyone wants to be your friend when you pass your driving test

The minute someone you know passes their driving test, you're suddenly joined at the hip.

There'll be no more early starts to catch a bus or train as your mate's 2002 Ford KA will take you everywhere you need to go.

Your best mates are the younger siblings of your older sibling's friends

Everyone knows everyone.

Dodgy phone and internet signals

Trying to call your friends is no easy task when the signal cuts off every 10 seconds.

There is only one shop in your village

You don't have a lot of choices if you forget to buy something on your weekly supermarket trip.

Missing out on UberEats and Deliveroo

While there might have been a takeaway, they certainly weren't doing delivery.

And you can forget UberEats, Deliveroo or JustEat even exist where you live.

You spent an inordinate amount of time going to McDonald's Drive Thru

It was straight to the Drive Thru once your provisional license turned into a full license.

Being called a Scouser by everyone apart from actual Scousers

While it's fairly common for people on the fringes of Merseyside to speak with a slight Scouse accent, you'll never get called a Scouser by anyone from Liverpool.

However, the minute you step outside of the region and speak to a stranger, it's likely you'll hear "you're from Liverpool, aren't you?".

Talk about an identity complex.

Tackling Netto, Costco and Makro all in one day

Customers visit the Netto store in April 2003 (Hull Daily Mail)

It wouldn't be a Sunday well spent without a trip to one (or all) of these shops.

Spending your life on public transport

If you plan on visiting the cinema or any big brand store, you'll need to travel on public transport to get there.

These journeys are long and often you'll be left questioning if it's worth all this time just to see the latest blockbuster.

Knowing the Merseyrail staff by name

With such frequent visits to the station, you'll likely start getting to know the staff that work there.

Tackling Netto, Costco and Makro all in one day around Merseyside to stock up on food.

Saying you're from Liverpool when you're abroad

Trying to explain to people when you're abroad where you're from is nearly impossible.

Mainly because it's unlikely they'll have ever heard of the likes of Banks.

So it's just easier to say you're from Liverpool.

Struggling not to say 'hi' to someone when walking down a narrow path

It's considered rude not to say 'morning' to a stranger in the village, but if you say 'hi' in the city - you're the strange one.

Exploiting the one nightclub in your nearest town

Alpine Club Lodge in Ormskirk, West Lancashire. (James Maloney/LancsLive)

As soon as you turn 18 you'll become a recognisable figure in your local nightclub as you'll be there every weekend.

Alpine in Ormskirk, anyone?

Going to the city is a big deal

Your first visit to Liverpool is a massive deal - everything looks so modern and there are so many more people.

And your first night out in the city will likely be a highlight of your young adult years.

The taxi fare home...

But your night will soon come crashing down when you realise the price of getting back home.

Realising it's just cheaper to book an apartment

And in some cases, it's more economical to book an apartment with your mates for the night.

Taking for granted the countryside walks

From waterfall walks to forest jaunts and lakeside meanders, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to exercising outside.

It's uncommon not to have a dog

And with so many places to walk, you're the odd one out if you don't have a canine companion.

Tough luck if it snows

While the roads may be gritted and cleared in busy towns, you're trapped if it snows in your village.

The smallest amount of snow would shut everything down - which was great if you were at school, but not so good if you had to make it to work.

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