MOSSLEY’S recognition as one of the best places to live in Britain has been described as a sign of what the town in known for, with more to come.
Ask many people who live there about being placed in the Sunday Times’ list and the reaction is likely to be, ‘Tell me something I don’t know.’
But it is now official after it was named as one of seven of the north west’s regional winners in the list of 72 around the nation.
Those behind the ranking praised what Mossley has in terms of its people, its arts scene and what lies around it.
The Sunday Times wrote: “Pleasantly out on a limb, this former mill town offers fresh air, awesome scenery, good schools plus fast direct trains to Manchester Piccadilly – with a dash of non-conformist creativity thrown into the mix.
“It’s divided into Top Mossley, which has the views, and Bottom Mossley, with stores, cafés, restaurants and an incredible number of pubs – at least 13 at the last count – spread between two high streets.
“Add to that the Vale — where carnival artists learn their trade at the Arts Council-funded Northern Carnival Centre for Excellence — along with theatre, music and art-house cinema and there’s something for everyone here.
“Then there’s Mossley AFC, doing well in the Northern Premier League West Division at Seel Park, and Micklehurst Cricket Club, which has a red rose for Lancashire, white rose for Yorkshire and sheaf of corn for Cheshire on its badge, showing Mossley’s historic association with all three counties.
“Mossley is full of practical, can-do types. Mossley Home Improvement Centre, a family business founded 55 years ago, is a mainstay on Manchester Road, selling everything from tap washers to wellies, while Mossley Organic and Fine Foods is equally well-stocked, offering fresh bread, more than 60 organic wines and at least 50 organic beers.
“Emmaus Mossley is a charity shop with a difference. Upcycling and restoring furniture and other items to sell in its on-site “Secondhand Superstore”, it also houses the Social Studio, which holds creative classes and fundraising events to which all are welcome.
“And who could resist Sox Education, a recent three-session sock-knitting workshop at Spindoctor Yarns, in Woodend Mill?”
Now councillors and the town’s MP, Jonathan Reynolds, have told how they believe the recognition is well deserved.
However, they knew what is there anyway.
Cllr Tafheen Sharif also believes more is likely to come as she said: “Mossley is our hidden gem in Tameside, full of special people and a vibrant community with warmth and spirit.
“What makes Mossley so special is our strong sense of community, the stunning natural beauty that surrounds us and the perfect balance of accessibility to both Manchester and the countryside.
“We have seen young families moving into the town, bringing with them a fresh energy and innovation of new small businesses, while preserving the warmth, charm, and sense of belonging that Mossley is known for.
“Looking ahead, the future of Mossley is bright.
“With this mix of new energy and established community values, we are well-positioned for continued growth, offering a welcoming space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
“I will continue to be an advocate for this growth, ensuring that Mossley remains a thriving and inclusive community for years to come.”
Mossley’s new standing also comes as little surprise to Mr Reynolds, who shone a light on what the people who make the town do to make it special.
He told The Correspondent: “It is great to see this recognition for Mossley as a special place.
“I particularly think the work of the very many community groups in Mossley should be acknowledged, and the way the town attracts new residents alongside those whose families have lived there for generations.”
The detail in Mossley’s listing – some 895 words including references to San Giorgio restaurant, Millstone brewery, the Rising Sun pub and Red Rose curry restaurant – shows the recognition came from more than just a once over.
And Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places To Live editor, said: “What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there.
“That means we can see what people really love about the places they live.
“That could be anything from exceptional schools and fast trains to beautiful houses and countryside.
“The health of the high street is important, but more than anything else, what we are looking for are towns, villages and cities with strong communities who work hard to make the best of where they live and play hard too.”
*cover image by Gary Whittaker via Tameside Captured