ANGLESEY ‘AMONG HAPPIEST PLACES TO LIVE IN UK’

NORTH Wales is often renowned for its stunning beaches, mountains, coastal paths and rural villages, but do such surroundings always promise happy residents?

Well, one area in North Wales certainly seems to be beaming according to Rightmove.

Anglesey has made it into the top 10 as part of research compiled on the happiest places in the UK to live.

The “happy at home” index, now in its 10th year, asked more than 21,000 people across Britain how they feel about various aspects of where they live.

Happiness measures in the index include friendliness and community spirit, whether people feel they can be themselves, nature and green spaces, opportunities locally to develop skills, and amenities including schools, restaurants, shops and sports facilities.

Anglesey ranked 9th in the UK, and third in Wales.

Upon hearing the news, Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie said: “Ynys Môn is a beautiful place to live and work and to bring up a family and I am not surprised it’s in the top 10 for the happiest places to live in the UK.

“I have fallen in love with this island and its wonderful people, who are caring and hard-working and want the best for their communities and their children and young people. Such qualities always lead to happiness.

“But the views and the sunsets and the amazing countryside can take the breath away and put a smile on anyone’s face, too.

“I hope anyone looking at the list will now come and visit and see for themselves what a great place we here on the island are lucky to live in.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Môn said: “There’s something special about being brought up on, and living on, an island. There’s a real sense of belonging.

“We have our challenges, and some of them – the pressure of tourism and second-home ownership, and so on – stem from the factors that make it such a special place.

“But I’m so proud to call it home, to live here and to represent wonderful people in a community rich in Welsh history, culture, language and heritage, and blessed with such stunning natural beauty.”