The local residents of a picturesque town hidden away in the British countryside say there is a huge downside to living there which is only getting worse. Thriving Littleborough is surrounded by wild moorland and charming hills, making it an ideal setting for cycling, scenic walks and horse riding.
The quaint Rochdale town which boasts a variety of its own independent businesses, bars and restaurants is also only a short train ride away from Manchester, the Mirror reports.
But despite the many perks of living in Littleborough, locals say the area is 'ruined' by one major ongoing issue - the chaotic traffic. Around 13,800 people live in the town and residents have compared the extreme traffic to 'Wacky Races'.
Resident Jacqueline Tomasso said: "Everyone is extremely friendly. We’ve got lots of small shops and we’ve got supermarkets.
"If you’re fit, there are loads of walks and activities. There are all sorts of community groups so you can go and do knitting or technology. There’s loads going on.
But the 76-year-old said there is one major issue in the town that lets it down. She explained: "It’s like Wacky Races here.
"You get nutcases flying up and down the main road like idiots. The speeding has got worse but it’s always been very busy."
Beryl Sweeney added that traffic isn't the only issue at hand with new houses also ruining the town in her opinion. The 80-year-old explained she previously protested against the construction of new developments.
She said: "I do like it. There’s more to it than you realise.
"There are so many walking routes, the only trouble is they’re building that many houses and ruining it. The road is busy, but when they build hundreds of houses it’s going to be a nightmare."
According to Zoopla's 2020 House Price Index Report, demands for properties in the borough of Rochdale was 55 per cent higher than the average in 2019.
Out of 65 cities being monitored for the report, Rochdale had the highest annual price growth out of anywhere else in the country with an increase of around 10 per cent.
And 81-year-old Brenda Fallows, who has lived in Littleborough all her life, said: "I love the people and because of the size, you have everything on your doorstep. You can also get on a train and get into Manchester very quickly''.
Littleborough is also home to appealing attractions including a tranquil garden nestled in historic parkland and Hill Hare Park. It also boasts the award winning tourist destination, Hollingworth lake which is a man-made lake built in the 19th century as the main water supply for Rochdale Canal.
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