NORTHWICH has been named as one of the top places to live in the UK for the second year running.

The town appears in the Sunday Times’ list of 101 Best Places to Live in Britain supplement, which was published on Sunday.

It is one of only two north west towns in this year’s list to appear in the guide more than once and one of only three Cheshire towns to feature, with Lymm and Warrington also appearing in the north west top 10.

Clr Bob Robinson, Northwich’s town mayor, said: “That’s absolutely brilliant.

“If we can achieve this status with all the development that’s going on we’ll be the top in about two years when it’s done.

“Let’s just hope that Cheshire West and Chester Council doesn’t go down the road of charging for parking which, in these difficult times, would actually decimate all we are trying to achieve.”

The guide uses data and statistics such as crime rates, house prices and school performance and selects places that offer the best quality of life to the widest number of people.

It looks at desirable features such as a positive community spirit, good local shops and services and attractive outdoor spaces.

Clr Robinson said: “I feel that Northwich has a slightly slower pace of life than in major towns, which is to the benefit of everyone and is a great environment for children to grow up in.”

Helen Davies, the Sunday Times’ home editor, said: “The Best Places guide is dedicated to celebrating Britain’s abundance of great cities, towns and villages.

“We combine in-depth data with first-hand personal experience to produce an authoritative list.

“There are lots of places across Britain that are worth celebrating, and everyone has different priorities, so this year our supplements cover everything from the countryside to inner-cities.”