RESIDENTS have reacted to Kendal being named among the best places to live in the North West in 2024.

The Sunday Times revealed the best places to live in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

It includes 72 locations across the UK, with six locations in the North West being featured in the comprehensive guide, including the Auld Grey Town.

Expert judges described Kendal as once having a 'disappointing town centre' which is having a 'resurgence'.

It said: "Used to make the Gateway to the Lakes a dispiriting contrast to the majesty of the scenery on its doorstep. But a burst of entrepreneurial energy is breathing new life into the 'auld grey town', which is now home to all kinds of interesting artisan businesses.

"With the fells and wild swimming spots of the Lake District on one side and fast roads and railways on the other, Kendal is a supremely practical spot for anyone eager to enjoy the great outdoors."

Frances Atfield, 26, who works in customer service said: "I agree with it. The proximity to the Lakes is quite a big one but it is also small enough that it feels more local, more like a community I suppose. You are not caught up to the tourist side of the Lakes but you can still have access which is nice."

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Anne Leader, 72, who is retired, said: "It is not really so dangerous. There is one or two little drug problems here and there but I think it is a lot worse everywhere else so I think it is quite good that it is on a lower level than most places. I feel totally safe here - I walk around on my own quite a lot and I have never felt threatened. 

"I think they have lost a lot of the independent shops which were good. It was a big loss when we lost Beales because we have only got M&S to go shopping. It is not great that we are losing them."

Christian Chiriacu, 45, a factory worker, said: "Kendal is a beautiful town and nice to live in. We have years of living here and it has everything, nature and everything is nice."

Ralph Blews, 76, a tanker driver, said "Businesses are as good as anywhere else. Everywhere you go places are closing."

George Mclean, 67, said: "It is as good as anywhere. I finished in the RAF and came to Kendal 38 years ago."