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The Manc -
9th March 2020
The Manc -
9th March 2020 News
Town just outside Greater Manchester named one of UK’s ‘happiest’ places to live
Emily Sergeant
The UK’s happiest places to live for 2026 have been named, and a town just outside Greater Manchester is in the top 10.
Just as it has done for the last 14 years now, Rightmove has published its annual ‘Happy at Home’ index, which explores exactly what it is that makes people feel content about where they live, and highlights the happiest places nationwide ahead of the new year.
This year, thousands of residents across more than 200 locations told the leading property listing platform what they love (or don’t love) about their community – from the friendliness of their neighbours, to job opportunities, access to green spaces, and so much more.
The survey also outlines the differences in happiness in rural, urban, and suburban environments, as well as the way our sense of ‘home happiness’ changes as we age.
So, where do we have in the top 10 then?
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Well, Skipton in North Yorkshire – last year’s winner – only ranked seventh in this year’s study, making way for Richmond upon Thames in London to take the coveted stop spot, but looking a little further down the list, you’ll find the Lancashire town of Chorley in sixth place.
Closest to the Bolton and Wigan boroughs, Chorley is about a 40-minute drive outside of Manchester, and sits on a direct train route into the city centre.
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The UK’s top 10 happiest places to live 2026
- Richmond upon Thames
- Harrogate
- Cirencester
- Monmouth
- Hove
- Chorley
- Skipton
- Llandrindod Wells
- Horsham
- Hexham
With a deep legacy rooted in the Industrial Revolution, Chorley is now a popular place to live full of amenities, good local schooling options, and convenient transport links – with an average property price of £234,387, and average rent costing £1,011 per month.
When it comes to the wider rankings, and the North West ranking as a whole, two Greater Manchester towns made it into the region’s top five, Stockport at number two and Altrincham following right behind at number three.
Other of the region’s inclusions like Bury, Bolton, Wigan, and the Manchester borough itself all ranked towards the bottom.
Speaking on this year’s list, Colleen Babcock – a property expert at Rightmove – explained: “The balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings. Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important.
Read more:
- Britain’s top five neighbour ‘red flags’ revealed in an eye-opening new survey
- Stunning refurbished Victorian villa goes on market in sought-after Stockport suburb for £2.35m
- Two unique North West homes named among most-viewed on Rightmove so far in 2026
“This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both.”
Featured Image – Matt Baker (via Unsplash)
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Manchester rapist jailed for 22 years after attacking two vulnerable victims
Daisy Jackson
A Manchester man has been jailed for 22 years after raping two vulnerable victims, targeting people in the Gay Village and Sackville Gardens.
Frank Scott, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court after pleading guilty to three counts of rape.
The offences took place in two separate incidents in 2025, with Scott targeting victims in Manchester’s Gay Village and Sackville Gardens.
The first attack happened in June 2025, when Scott approached a woman who was alone and separated from a friend in the Gay Village.
After offering her drugs and leading her to a secluded area, Scott subjected her to a prolonged and violent sexual assault. He also threatened the woman and prevented her from leaving as she attempted to seek help.
The victim eventually managed to escape, with members of the public coming to her assistance. Scott was subsequently arrested.
In a statement read to the court following sentencing, the woman described the lasting emotional impact of the attack.
She said: “Whenever I think back to what happened on that night I go through different emotions. I go from feeling confused as to how someone could do what he did, to feeling completely numb, to being in tears on the sofa unable to move.
“I’ve struggled so much with trying to understand my emotions and coming to terms with what’s happened to me.
“How am I meant to carry on like everything is normal when he’s done what he has to me?”
Scott committed a further rape in November 2025 in Sackville Gardens.
The male victim reported that Scott gave him an unknown substance, impairing his awareness, and raped him.
The second survivor also shared a statement in court, saying: “Since he has done this to me I have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I sometimes feel like I can smell Frank and it takes me back to that moment in the park and I feel sick and I have been physically sick on a number of occasions.
“I am constantly on edge now, if I hear a door slam or any loud noise it makes me jump in way that I would never have done before.
“Frank Scott is a dangerous person, he is dangerous to society and society’s most vulnerable people.
“I will now have to live with the consequences of his actions for the rest of my life and other victims will as well.”
Scott denied both offences in police interview, claiming any sexual activity was consensual. However, the strength of the evidence led to him pleading guilty at court to two counts of rape relating to the female survivor and one count relating to the male survivor.
DC Coles from GMP’s Central Challenger Team said: “These offences demonstrate a pattern of predatory behaviour, with Scott targeting vulnerable individuals and exploiting situations where victims were isolated or under the influence.
“I’d like to thank both victims for their bravery in coming forward and supporting this investigation all the way through. I know how hard it will have been throughout the proceedings, but their continued strength has allowed us to keep Scott behind bars.
“Their evidence was crucial to securing these convictions and ensuring a dangerous offender has been brought to justice”
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Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Read more
- New Greater Manchester travel warnings issued as Christmas Markets get underway
- Man arrested in relation to series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following urgent police appeal
- More arrests made in connection with ‘significant’ alleged financial irregularities at Greater Manchester uni
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured image: GMP
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