AN ARTICLE on Kendal in a national newspaper has prompted people to express a wide variety of opinions about the town.

The piece in the Guardian's online property section is entitled 'Let's move to Kendal, Cumbria: a proper town in permanent festival mode.' Opinion about the town, expressed by more than 150 comments on the article, appeared to be polarised. There was praise for the low crime rate and pubs, but some criticised the traffic and a perceived lack of things to do.

One commenter wrote: "I live in Kendal. It's a pleasant place to make your home if you are retired, or have young children and like the Lake District, its weather and all it has to offer.

"Quality of life is good and crime rates are low with many people having taken the decision to live here and commute to Preston, Manchester and Liverpool.

"Cost of living is reasonably low too although house prices are high for local wages."

Another wrote: "It's the home I love, but this [the article] is a very rose tinted view of Kendal.

"There is very little community left here. All the shops are closing, including the pubs. Even KFC shut its doors to Kendal recently.

"The places that are open, the locals can't enjoy very often because they're either working in them, or can't afford to go to them, or (often) both."

However, not everyone agreed, with one person saying: "Plenty of real ale bars, especially The Factory Tap, regularly hosting street food, and Fell bar, and The New Union.

"Lots of great food places, too many to mention. Loads of parks and other public open spaces - dog walking heaven! "A great mix of high street chains and loads of independents."

Traffic was an issue for some, and was something referred to as a "case against" Kendal in the main article.

One commenter wrote: "I was brought up in Kendal. I left about 40 years ago. I occasionally visit and am struck most of all by the cars, the sheer amount of metal in the streets.

"I realise this is the same situation nationally but the contrast with my rose tinted recollection was particularly stark. "No way kids can play in these streets."

The article can be found via this link: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jun/14/lets-move-to-kendal-cumbria.