A seaside town has been named one of the happiest places to live in the whole country. Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, was named one of the best places to live by property experts Rightmove who asked thousands of Britons about how they feel about their home town.
In their survey, Clacton was described as “fantastic” and “affordable” for families and individuals. The results of the survey come as Clacton and other seaside towns experience a resurgence as more people opt to holiday at home during the spring and summer.
Speaking to EssexLive about the area, Which?’s Travel editor Rory Boland said: “Is it as nice as Bamburgh, or Dartmouth? No. For that holiday where you want to have some fun and not spend a lot of money, it’s fantastic. Clacton, Skegness, and Southend all received one star from visitors for the lack of peace and quiet.
“That’s a shame, because what Clacton, Skegness and Southend offer is exactly the sort of seaside break many of us want. Big beaches, big entertainment and small prices. More should be done to help them level up and become first-class holiday resorts.”
While Clacton may be experiencing a resurgence, in recent months it has been hit hard by a wave of antisocial behaviour.
Express.co.uk visited the popular seaside town earlier this year to speak to residents about what life is like in the town.
Passenger assistance manager Mark Wiggett said: “I don’t take my kids out after a certain time at night because of it… We need a night shelter or something to take people off the streets.”
Another resident, Hannah Weigand, said: “You walk down the road and see people taking drugs… I’ve never found them to be disrespectful. You can’t disregard someone because they’ve fallen on hard times. It’s happening everywhere.”
It is hoped that Clacton will see the benefits of some of the government’s levelling up fund when it receives £78million.
Jonathan Robinson, 43, said some of the millions being given to Clacton should be used to help those on the streets.
He explained: “The drinkers put everyone off coming into town. It’s a family town. Holidaymakers come here to relax and have a good time. But mums are scared to take their kids out because of anti-social behaviour.
“We’re a seaside town and need to bring people in. The people here are lovely. The main problem is a lack of policing, without a doubt.”
