Title welcome but quiet time appreciated
THE reclaimed title of World’s Steepest Street has drawn mixed reactions from Baldwin St residents.
On Wednesday, Guinness World Records stripped Fford Pen Llech, the street in the North Wales town of Harlech, of the title, confirming Baldwin St had the steeper gradient of 34.8%.
Longtime resident Liisa TateManning said the reclaimed title of steepest street did not make a difference, as tourists had continued to visit, even while the title was lost.
“I don’t think it stopped people from coming. The street is wellknown as a tourist attraction.”
The lockdown and travel restrictions in the wake of Covid19 was the biggest change to the street she had seen, as there were no more buses or tourists visiting.
“It’s much quieter now.
“I don’t have to worry as much. I was always worried with tourists on the street, although they are always very polite.”
Beverly McLay said she was delighted to have the title back.
“I think it’s fantastic for Dunedin. It brings people here.”
She was proud of the title and enjoyed living on the usually busy street.
“I was upset when I heard we had lost it. I enjoy the people and tourists that come to visit.”
The Guardian newspaper reported Gwyn Headley, who led Harlech’s campaign to claim the title for Fford Pen Llech, did his best to be generous to Dunedin but the loss clearly hurt.
“Blinking back the tears, we would like to congratulate Baldwin St for winning the record under the new dispensation.”
Mr Headley was upset Guinness had decided to rule in favour of
Dunedin before giving Harlech a chance to argue its case.