Wombourne

Expressandstar.com gets the local knowledge on the area from the people who know best - the locals!

What's it like? "Wombourne is a very large and picturesque village and civil parish, located in the district of South Staffordshire, four miles south-west of Wolverhampton.

"The area has grown significantly in size over the last few years, but still retains charm and character.

"The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal runs alongside the western side of the village, with Bratch Locks to the north.

"Parts of the village have a traditional chocolate-box look, although there are some newer houses too."

What's good about it? "There's an easy one-way system in the centre, a pretty cricket green and a good selection of shops, from the traditional butcher to the modern hairdressers, along with two main high street banks, a post office and a chemist.

"Crime levels are below the national average, as are house prices, while good transportation links make it easy for residents to commute between Wolverhampton and Dudley."

Any downsides?

Where's good for going out? "The leisure centre has a great pool, and the community centres and church groups hold regular events.

"There's a great tandoori restaurant and Caffe Paradiso has a delicious menu, while the Red Lion pub and the Round Oak Inn are good for catching up with friends."

Little known facts: "The village is home to some interesting and unusual businesses. The Smestow Wildlife Centre supplies wild animals and birds of prey to the film and television industries, so you might spot a few familiar faces.

King Charles II journeyed through Wombourne on his way to Boscobel, during his infamous escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

The village hit the headlines in July 2002 when a local resident photographed what he thought to be a UFO.

Average house price: £60,000 to £250,000 (figure taken from mouseprice.com)

Schools: "People moving to the area are attracted to its good schools - recent GCSE results show 69% of pupils gaining 5 or more GCSE's grades A-C. The village has four primary schools and one large comprehensive, Ounsdale High School."

This review is based on an interview with a Wombourne resident (November 2007).

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