Wivenhoe named as one of the top places to live for second year in a row
A PICTURESQUE town in north Essex has been named one of the best places to live in the UK for the second year running by a prestigious guide.
Wivenhoe is listed in this year's Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide.
The comprehensive guide includes 72 locations across the UK which represents the 'best of Britain'.
Last year, Wivenhoe was crowned the best place to live in the East of England.
Area - people at Wivenhoe Regatta (Image: Ant Niles) Chelmsford took the regional title for this year's guide and Saffron Walden was named the overall best place to live in the UK.
Best Places to Live editor Helen Davies said: 'It is easy to feel overwhelmed by everything going on in the world, but there really is so much to celebrate as we look closer to home.
'The Sunday Times's expert judges have visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds and mobile signal to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
'What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there.'
The judges described Wivenhoe as a 'pretty former fishing village' which is surrounded by countryside and has a 'creative and fiercely proud community'.
They said: 'Its brightly coloured houses are home to artists, as well as writers, musicians and academics who work at the University of Essex.
'Although there's plenty of Farrow & Ball on display, Wivenhoe hasn't forgotten its bohemian, radical roots — earlier this year, plans to fell a historic oak tree were met with peaceful protests and sit-ins.
'The sense of community is strong too. Volunteers run a twice-monthly film club at the William Loveless Hall and serve a free Christmas meal to those who would otherwise be alone on December 25.'
The guide refers to the Stop the Chop group who are trying to stop the High Street car park oak tree, next to the King George V playing field, from being felled.
Campaign - the oak tree (Image: Newsquest)
Following a fundraiser, the group has employed experts to research whether it needs to be felled.
To find out more about the list, visit thetimes.com/best-places-to-live.
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