Fylde impresses for '˜liveability'

The first Northern Powerhouse Liveability Index measures quality-of-life attributes for near-average affordability in 72 boroughs across the region – and Fylde has been placed second only to South Lakeland.

The report, commissioned by the Your Housing Group, details that average house prices in Fylde are above the Northern average at £214,500 as are rents at £590 a month.

But Fylde earnings at £28,200 are also higher than average as are employment rates at 78 per cent, so high earnings and strong employment broadly cancel out high house prices and rents.

That gives Fylde a ‘liveability’ rating of 453 compared to the average 400, with the affordability figure for the borough 103 (average 100) and the quality of life attributes rated 350 (average 300).

Meanwhile, Wyre is 33rd in the survey’s ‘league table’ and Blackpool 41st.

Wyre’s attributes earned an above-average score of 304, while affordability was rated 96.

Blackpool scored 299 on its attributes, while its affordability rating was 97 for an overall score of 396.

Fylde Council leader Coun Sue Fazackerley (pictured inset) said: “I am obviously delighted that Fylde is rated so highly.

“It is good to see Fylde is scoring well in areas that really matter, including average earnings and employment rates.

“As a lifelong resident of Fylde and current leader of the Council, the results of this survey are no great surprise to me but it is reassuring that this independent body has shown that Fylde is one of the most desirable places in our region in which to live.”