Suburb hailed for community spirit after accolade

Dominic Clarke said Stirchley was a fantastic place to bring up a family

People living and working in a part of Birmingham say it's a "fantastic place" after it was named as the best place to live in the Midlands

Stirchley was given the accolade in an annual list published by the Sunday Times.

Praised for its bars, restaurants and cafes, it's also been singled out for its good schools, closeness to the city centre and what judges called a visible community spirit.

Its popularity has been growing for some time, which estate agents say has led to house prices doubling in the last 10 years.

When the BBC visited, locals said they have seen wide-scale rejuvenation of the area over that time.

Mike Oakton, of Oakton Estates, described Stirchley as a best-kept secret.

"It's got a real new energy about it," he said. "There's a real vibe here now.

"People are wanting to come here, they are wanting to eat here, socialise here, live here."

Stirchley was praised for its bars, restaurants and cafes in the Sunday Times list

Dominic Clarke, the owner of the Caneat cafe, said he adored living in the area.

"It's a fantastic place to bring up a family and run a business," he said.

Mike Oakton, of Oakton Estates, described Stirchley as a best-kept secret

But Pete Ashton, director of community bakery Loaf, said there were some issues despite his delight at the accolade.

He explained some of those who worked in the area and kept it ticking over risked being priced out as the area became trendier.

Pete Ashton, from a community bakery, said he had some concerns despite the positive accolade

"The people that work in all these businesses along the high street that are creating this buzz, they're mostly on living wage [and] minimum wage," Mr Ashton said.

"They will not be able to afford to live in Stirchley. That's already happening, which is horrifying really."