Wharfedale is a ‘great place to live’ (From Craven Herald)

Wharfedale is a ‘great place to live’

9:00am Monday 22nd October 2012 in News By Clive White, Senior Reporter

Villagers have launched a campaign to encourage more people to set up home in the countryside which they describe as an “enviable place to live”.

They have produced a campaign leaflet called “You Could Call it Home” and are appealing especially to young families to move into Upper Wharfedale.

It is spearheaded by the Upper Wharfedale and Littondale Sustainability Working Group which was set up by Buckden and Kettlewell-with-Starbotton Parish Councils and Kettlewell School governors late in 2011.

Peter Vetch, who runs a technology consulting business from Buckden, said: “Initially the aim was identify and develop proposals focused on increasing pupil numbers at Kettlewell School.

“The group was extended to include the communities of Littondale and Conistone with Kilnsey. We quickly realised that what was necessary, was to promote the up-dale communities as practical, viable and enviable places to live, work and bring up children.

“We know the area is loved by many people but the vast majority think of it as a holiday or day-out destination, rather than somewhere to live.

“The key message we are seeking to put across, both with the website and with the leaflets, is that the upper dale is a practical place to live and work as well as to visit, with wonderful communities, outstanding education and now, superfast community broadband which makes working from home eminently feasible.”

Promotional material is being distributed to businesses, estate agents and at events. Anyone interested in learning more about the campaign should visit upperwharfedale.org.