It's one of the 'coolest places to live in the UK', but some people in this Greater Manchester area feel left behind
manchestereveningnews.co.ukNathan Dean stands at the bottom of a hill leading up to Stockport's historic marketplace. The independent shops, bars and restaurants that have sprung up in recent years, have seen the town develop something of a reputation.
In March, it came out on top in a Times poll of the best places to live in the north west. Its newly-found bohemian vibe has even seen it dubbed 'the New Berlin'. "They say it is, but it's not," Nathan says with a wry smile, which soon disappears.
For 25-year-old, the tag has an impact which isn't helping. READ MORE: The 95-year-old told she can't vote this year - after voting in every election in her life The rent on the one-bed town centre apartment close to the Red Rock cinema complex, which he shares with his girlfriend, has jumped up from around £500 a month to over £900. "It's a lot better here, don't get me wrong," he says of the town centre, which is currently in the middle of a £1bn redevelopment surge. "And it could be even better if they get the right things in the right places.
It's okay building all these new places, but it's no good if they just end up filled with offices, or charity shops, or casinos. "There is an issue there though.
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