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PLACE TO BE
We live in UK’s coolest town – we love living right by the sea… but there’s a major catch putting people off
RESIDENTS of the UK’s coolest town have told how there is one major catch putting people off from living there.
The Cornish fishing village of Polperro was voted UK Capital of Cool because of its independent shops, cultural events, and how 'Instagrammable’ it is.
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However despite the quirky pubs, cafes and eclectic shops there is one thing in particular that puts locals off Polperro.
Resident Karena Morris, who runs the Plantation Tea Rooms, said: “It’s such a chilled-out, quaint village.
“You feel relaxed just being here. Locals who have lived here their whole lives are so welcoming to newcomers and visitors alike and you don’t always get that in coastal villages. It helps that it’s all so beautiful.
“I suppose my only bug-bear is that at £10 for the day the car park is expensive. It’s a long way out, which isn’t great for coach parties, and it’s cash only when people tend not to carry cash these days.
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“There is a change machine but it is rather hidden away. You see drivers wandering around for ages trying to find it.”
With the decline of the fishing industry Polperro has embraced tourism. The population of around 1600 is swelled by up to 25,000 visitors per day in high season.
Polperro has been used several times as a film location and popular TV series such as the BBC’s Hairy Bikers and ITV’s Echo Beach have been shot there.
Peter Libby, whose antiques shop has been owned by his family for over 170 years, also winces at any suggestion that Polperro is ‘cool’.
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He said: “Personally, I wouldn’t describe it as that.
"It’s a 1990s term isn’t it? All a bit too Tony Blair for me – he was constantly on about it.
“It is true though that the village has always had an avante-garde feel thanks to the artists, writers and musicians who moved in and flourished here.
“I lived away for 45 years but Polperro drew me back. It does seem to have that effect on people. Plenty of my regulars are holidaymakers who come back every year.”
At the Sweet Pea gifts and interiors store owner Carole Bourne, 59, says Polperro appeals to all ages.
She explained: “You might think the younger generation wouldn’t see it as cool.
“But actually, they do. They appreciate the calm and peace of the place as well as the great pubs and cafes.
“We have traditional shops, like the bakery, which are rare in villages these days. And there are lots of quirky gift, antique, and lifestyle shops around every corner.
“For me, the coolest part of the day is when I finish work and pop down to the harbour for a swim.”
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