RUSHCLIFFE has become the number one family-friendly place to live in the UK, according to a new survey.
The Notts borough came first in a list compiled by estate agent Savills, which compared the number of pupils gaining grades A*-C in their GCSE exams, crime levels and the supply of homes with three or more bedrooms.
Mother-of-one Jo Rushby, 41, has lived in West Bridgford since graduating from university. "It's definitely worth the title," she said. "I moved here as a student and I haven't left since."
She said she liked the park and the "family-friendly environment."
Rushcliffe boasts several libraries, leisure and activity centres, parks and play areas and plenty of cafes and shops, all within distance of local transport.
It is these attractions that draw many parents and children to the borough.
Kevin Doughty, 37, of Colwick, agreed that Rushcliffe is very welcoming, especially to those with children.
"It is a very child-friendly place. The services provided for families are excellent," he said.
The Post spoke to people in West Bridgford yesterday, who said they were also attracted to the borough highly-rated schools, its safe and friendly community and the clean streets.
"We had children when we were here and it's ideal because there's lots of mum's groups, lots of pre and post-baby groups," said Francesa Westmoreland, 34, a teacher from Rancliffe Avenue, Keyworth.
"There's lots of outdoor stuff and plenty of summer festivals. You get lots of good choices."
Alan Wood, 74, a baker from Distillery Street, Ruddington, believes Rushcliffe has plenty of things for children to do, as well as services that may benefit their parents.
"There are still plenty of schools and pre-schools in the area and there are very, very good transport links," he said.
Property director Michelle Sewell, 38, of Mona Road, who has lived in Rushcliffe for 20 years, praised the safe environment, easy access and excellent attractions.
"Having children made me realise that I wanted to stay here," she said. "My husband says you could sell West Bridgford to anybody."
The top 20 list features only one city, St Albans, and is dominated by rural locations.
By contrast, London boroughs make up 80 per cent of the 20 worst locations.
A spokesman for Savills said: "If good schools, low crime rates and a broad selection of family housing are the measure of the best locations for children to grow up, then families should all relocate to the country."
