People living in an area of Nottingham that has been named as one of its wealthiest say it has "a lot going for it". Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently revealed the ten wealthiest areas of Nottingham.
Topping the list was the city centre and Trent Bridge area, but also making the top five was Wilford and Silverdale. Wilford itself has a history stretching back centuries, with the settlement Willesforde being featured in the Domesday Book.
The area is now surrounded by estates that have been built in more recent decades, with Silverdale being constructed in the 1950s and Compton Acres going up in the 1980s. Wilford was once a peaceful village surrounded by woodland, but these days one of the key selling points is the transport links taking its residents into the centre of Nottingham and further afield.
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Following the release of the ONS data, Nottinghamshire Live went to Wilford on Friday (March 17) to speak to some of those living there about what made it tick. Jose Cox, 85, said: "I've been here since 1952 and it's fantastic.
"You can get on the trams into Nottingham, there are lots of good local shopping facilities and you're not far from the M1 if you want to torture yourself. Of course I've seen a lot of changes since I've been here.
"There isn't much green space that hasn't been built on now and I do hope they preserve some of what we have left. But this area does have a lot going for it, especially for young people as well, and so I can see why more and more housing gets built."
Despite noting several positive aspects of living in Wilford, Mrs Cox said she was "surprised" that it had been named as one of Nottingham's wealthiest areas. The ONS figures reflected how much households have left after income tax, national insurance, council tax, pension contributions, and child support has been paid.
The figure for Wilford and Silverdale came out as £35,600 on average, making it the fifth wealthiest neighbourhood of Nottingham. Other areas named as being some of Nottingham's wealthiest included New Basford and Wollaton Park.
Also surprised that Wilford made the list was Bob Jones, 69, who said: "I first came to Nottingham when I got a job in Melton Mowbray at the age of 23, but then I moved to Wilford when I would have been about 26 and it's ideal. I was living in Beeston Rylands before but then we got a bit more money and came here, which was a lot better because I worked as a rep and so it was easier being closer to the M1.
"When I first came here I used to be able to drive into the centre of Nottingham in about 15 minutes, but now it takes much longer. I'm going into town today and usually I'd walk, because it only takes me 45 minutes to walk to the Old Market Square.
"But I'm being a bit lazy today and taking the trams. I am surprised that Wilford is one of the wealthier areas because I'd say most of the houses seem pretty ordinary, but I suppose it's Compton Acres where a lot of the money is."
Wilford boasts several local shops, pubs and schools, whilst Wilford Village is the home of St Wilfrid's Church. The building dates back to the 14th century, is Grade II* listed and its grounds are home to the Wilford Gazebo - built in 1757 and donated to the community as a seating for parishioners.
But as well as its several amenities and transport links, some said it was the strong sense of community that made Wilford a great place to live. Sydney Brown, 81, said: "It is a lovely place to be and it is convenient in so many ways.
"It would be silly to drive into Nottingham from here when you've got the really good trams and buses. But there is a very nice sense of community here too.
"I live in a complex where there's lots of nice people who regularly check in to make sure I'm okay. The worst thing in life is to be lonely, but the people around here are fantastic."
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