A former mining town has been named one of the ugliest towns in Britain, with visitors left unimpressed by the boarded up shop fronts and "beleaguered roads". Some 1,250 locations up and down the country were ranked on their shop fronts, historical architecture, low traffic litter, views and greenery. Stanley, in County Durham , scored a lowly 28 out of 50 which placed it seventh in the country and the only entry from the north east.
Despite scoring seven for greenery and eight for views, Stanley - where house prices are significantly lower than the rest of the UK - was described as feeling "beleaguered by encircling roads and roundabouts," by the Telegraph's travel writer Helen Pickles. She added the "landscape can't makeup for the loss of its major economy." Stanley's shop fronts scored a disappointingly low three, with many boarded up or hidden behind metal roller-blinds.
It also received a four for historical architecture. Slough took the dubious honour of being named the ugliest town overall, reports Chronicle Live . While investment from big names like Starbucks, McDonalds and Aldi has flowed into the outskirts of Stanley in recent years, the heart of the town, Stanley's Front Street, is in dire need of attention.
Riena Wraper, a 92 year old resident of Stanley since 1962, disagreed with the negative portrayal of her town. She 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.
