Thornton Hough feel they are bucking the trend of British villages' demise

Jul 8 2009 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

A report predicting the demise of community life in British villages was published last week ... but in Thornton Hough residents feel they are bucking the trend. Matt Hurst reports

THE recession and a lack of affordable housing is “ripping the heart out of community life”, a report concluded last week.

The Rural Shops Alliance (RSA) and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) say around 33 village shops and 54 country pubs could go out of business each month over the next year.

The two organisations add that, nationwide, 1,200 rural shops already closed in the last two years, and 600 pubs shut their doors for the final time since 2008 alone.

But in Thornton Hough, staff at the Seven Stars pub say it’s been one of their best summers in years.

Barman Phil Town told the News: “It’s been a really good summer, with the good weather people come out.”

And regular patron, Gwen Whalley thinks pubs like the Seven Stars can attract people from outside village life by offering good food, as well as the cosy, friendly atmosphere synonymous with rural hostelries.

Gwen said: “I think it’s mostly down-town pubs that are closing because of the smoking ban.

“I live by the canal in Oxton but I come all the way out here because I like the company.”

The RSA and BBPA says a big factor in the demise of rural villages is the lack of affordable housing, creating problems for young families and for businesses looking for employees.

But estate agents David Bradshaw and Karl Tatler both feel these concerns impact Wirral less.

David Bradshaw, of Jones and Chapman’s Heswall office, said: “There are still affordable houses in these areas, but you’ve got to look for them.

“These locations are good areas, sought after areas and they’re definitely not affected so much.”

Karl Tatler, who has offices in Heswall, Greasby and West Kirby, believes “there’s a lot of affordable housing”.

He said: “Thornton Hough is a fringe village.

“It may not have the local amenities a town would have but it is a short commute to places like the hospital or the nearest town.

“I don’t think anywhere in Wirral is sufficiently detached from modern facilities.”