We live in one of Britain’s UGLIEST towns with boarded up shops and derelict buildings – but the critics are all wrong

A FORMER mining town has been dubbed one of the ugliest locations in Britain, according to a recent report.

The Telegraph ranked almost 1,250 towns with Stanley, the only North East one listed, ranked seventh ugliest.

Five metrics including shop fronts, historical architecture, low traffic, litter, views and greenery were used with Stanley receiving a score of just 28 out of 50.

Despite being awarded seven for greenery and eight for views, it was described as feeling “beleaguered by encircling roads and roundabouts”.

Stanley scored a disappointedly low three on the appearance of shop fronts – with several boarded up and left to ruin or hidden by metal roller-blinds.

A four for historical architecture ultimately landed it in seventh place, while Slough claimed the title of ugliest town overall.

The outskirts of Stanley have attracted investment in recent years with big names such as Starbucks, McDonald’s and Aldi.

But Stanley’s Front street, the heart of the town, is in need of attention.

Yet many members of the public on the pedestrianised shopping strip disagreed with the verdict.

Riena Wraper, 92, who has lived in Stanley since 1962, said: “It’s all wrong. I wouldn’t say it’s ugly.

“Stanley has even kept its library alive. The market is here every Thursday or Saturday, weather dependent, and it’s got what I need.

“Everyone here is very friendly and we have wonderful views from just outside our window overlooking the hills.”

Esther Haig lives in Whickham and travels into Stanley three times a week as its easier to access shops.

She said: “The high street is not as good as it used to be, no. Many shops have closed down.

“It’s easier to come here on the bus than it is shopping at Whickham village and I make use of it by having a day out.”

When asked whether she agreed on the verdict, Esther added: “I wouldn’t say its ugly however it does need some regeneration.

“The markets used to be fabulous here on a Saturday but now they aren’t as good.

“There is bigger brand shops and some development on the outskirts of Stanley too.”

Richard Gray, a market trader at Denmark Foods, was not surprised to here Stanley had been labelled “ugly”.

He commented: “The town is lacking investment – it’s dilapidated. It needs an injection. It’s become ‘the forgotten town’.

The whole area needs investment to brighten it up.

Carol Henderson

“The high street is negative. Everything that’s been invested in is off the main street, so from the outskirts the town looks good but it’s not fixed up when you come into the centre.”

Richard added: “The school on the high street has been redundant for over 10 years.

“Banks have been shutting down leaving not many shops left.

“Normally it wouldn’t be until there’s a fire that would encourage the council to make changes.

“Touch wood we have loyal customers who come back to the street.”

Carol Henderson has also lived in Stanley all her life and says over that time there’s been a great change in the town which is “now full of charity shops, nail salons and barbers”.

She said: “Years ago there were big names on the high street however now they’re all gone.

“There’s no clothes shop left apart from Millers at the top [of the high street] which has been there for years.

“The whole area needs investment to brighten it up.”

Her daughter, Lyndsey Develyn, added: “It would be nice to see more cosy places you can sit in and enjoy and want to be in on the high street like cafes and coffee shops.”

The council has been contacted for comment.