We live in one of Britain’s UGLIEST towns with boarded up shops and derelict buildings – but the critics are all wrong
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A FORMER mining town has been dubbed one of the ugliest locations in Britain - but the locals have hit back. The Telegraph ranked almost 1,250 towns with Stanley, the only North East one listed, ranked seventh ugliest. Five metrics including shop fronts, historical architecture, low traffic, litter, views and greenery were used with Stanley receiving a score of just 28 out of 50.
![[Stanley has been named one of the ugliest towns in Britain]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vox-pop-stanley-voted-7th-957366528.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Despite being awarded seven for greenery and eight for views, it was described as feeling "beleaguered by encircling roads and roundabouts". Stanley scored a disappointingly low three on the appearance of shop fronts—with several boarded up and left to ruin, or hidden by metal roller blinds.
![[Carol Henderson has lived in Stanley all of her life. Pictured with her daughter Lynsey Develyn]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vox-pop-stanley-voted-7th-957367103.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A four for historical architecture ultimately landed it in seventh place, while Slough claimed the title of ugliest town overall. The outskirts of Stanley have attracted investment in recent years with big names such as Starbucks, McDonald's and Aldi. But Stanley's Front street, the heart of the town, is in need of attention.
![[Stanley scored a disappointedly low three on the appearance of shop fronts]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vox-pop-stanley-voted-7th-957366783.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Yet many members of the public on the pedestrianised shopping strip disagreed with the verdict. Riena Wraper, 92, who has lived in Stanley since 1962, said: "It's all wrong. I wouldn't say it's ugly. "Stanley has even kept its library alive. The market is here every Thursday or Saturday, weather dependent, and it's got what I need.
![[Riena Wraper, 92, has lived in Stanley since 1962]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vox-pop-stanley-voted-7th-957222907.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
