There are few greater enthusiasts than Ian Lloyd when it comes to extolling the charms of Clitheroe. He describes the surrounding Ribble Valley as 'one of Britain's best kept secrets' and its main town as 'the jewel in its crown.'

There are few greater enthusiasts than Ian Lloyd when it comes to extolling the charms of Clitheroe. He describes the surrounding Ribble Valley as ‘one of Britain’s best kept secrets’ and its main town as ‘the jewel in its crown.’

This is a community with real character with busy streets full of independent retailers leading up to the Norman castle keep, built in 1186 by Robert de Lacy and surrounded by 16 acres of formal gardens.

Ian, a director of Fine & Country and the long-established Mortimer’s Estate Agents, says he feels privileged to live in the area but he would be the first to admit that the recession has had a considerable impact on the local property market.

‘Clitheroe and the surrounding area have been in a bit of bubble protected from outside events but the impact has come from people outside wanting to move here,’ he says. ‘If they can’t sell their property, they can’t buy one here. Before that there had been quite an influx into the valley.’

That has had an impact on prices. ‘A terraced house that was �100,000 could now be for sale at �75,000 so there are some bargains to be had.’

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Schools: Ian Lloyd says this is one of Clitheroe’s real plus points with a high standard of state schools and some top notch private schools, including the famous Stonyhurst College.

Transport: One the rail line to Manchester and close to the M65

Shopping: A brilliant range of small shops including D Byrne and Co wine award-winning emporium, Cowman’s famous sausage shop and Wellgate Fisheries to name a few. The town also supports four supermarkets.

Markets: There’s an excellent market running on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with an abundance of local produce. Clitheroe has build up a reputation for its food and has a food festival every year. It’s also at the centre of the Ribble Valley Food Trail.

Culture: The Grand is an excellent venue and the town is gaining a reputation as a centre for the arts.

Nightlife: For a market town, it does pretty well with a good choice of restaurants and pubs.