Millions want the country life, says report

The Government's Commission for Rural Communities shows that more than 105,000 people moved from urban to rural areas last year. The report estimates that migration into rural areas will increase significantly with almost a third, 29%, of urban residents hankering after the 'good life' in the countryside. In contrast, only 5% of rural residents say they want to move to the cities.

Audlem's residents seem to be even happier with their surroundings than the national average. Last year's survey amongst local residents for the Audlem Parish Plan showed only 2% were unhappy living in Audlem.

The report identifies the problems these trends will cause, in particular the soaring cost of housing in villages and the chronic lack of affordable housing. Across the country, houses in rural areas are on average 40% pricier than in towns and cities. The loss of facilities like schools, petrol stations and post offices are also quoted as major problems. The lack of job opportunities for the young also means that many 15 to 30 year olds have to move to find work. The move to the countryside is largely amongst those aged 35 to 39 and between 55 and 65 as people begin to retire.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said they found the report very worrying: "With more and more people moving to rural areas, the countryside is going to lose its unique and wonderful character," said spokesman Nick Schoon. He added: "If we can make urban areas more attractive, people will not necessarily need to move to rural areas to get a better life."

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