Residents of a quaint town nestled in the British countryside say it is ruined by one thing – and it is getting worse.
The flourishing town is found beneath sweeping hills and wild moorland, offering picturesque settings for wintry walks, cycling and horseriding.
It also boasts an abundance of independent shops, bars and restaurants and is just a short train ride away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester.
"Everyone is extremely friendly," resident Jaqueline Tomasso told the Manchester Evening News.
"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 despite the perks of living in Littleborough, locals say there is one downside that "ruins" the area.
Some 13,800 people live in the town and its suburbs of Calderbrook, Shore and Smithy Bride had a population of just 13,807.
While they say most agree it's a lovely place to live, there is one downside which "ruins the area."
Jaqueline, 76, said there is one aspect of the town that lets it down – the extreme traffic.
"It’s like Wacky Races here. You get nutcases flying up and down the main road like idiots," she said.
"The speeding has got worse but it’s always been very busy."
While another resident, who did not wish to be named, described Littleborough as an undiscovered gem.
"I like that it’s right on the edge of the countryside right on the Pennines. You can walk straight out and be on the edge of it. I can see sheep from my window," he said.
"The town is small enough that everyone knows each other to some degree. It’s very friendly. It’s a bit undiscovered. It’s cool and urban but it’s also in the countryside.
"I suppose people don’t really know about it, it’s not a place people consider."
Beryl Sweeney, 80, claims new houses are also ruining the local area – having protested against the construction of new developments in the past.
"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," she said.
"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, demand in the borough of Rochdale was 55 per cent higher than the average recorded in 2019.
Of the 65 cities monitored for the report, Rochdale saw the highest annual price growth increasing by around 10 per cent – higher than anywhere else in the country.
Brenda Fallows, 81, has lived in Littleborough all her life.
"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," she said.
Littleborough is home to attractions including Hare Hill Park, a tranquil garden surrounded by historic parkland.
It also plays host to Hollingworth Lake, a man-made lake built in the 19th century as the main water source for the Rochdale Canal.
