EXCLUSIVE We live in area dubbed Britains kindest village but can tell you the truth is VERY different
Its hailed as Britains kindest village where volunteers own and run the pub, library, shop and post office.
Its hailed as Britains kindest village where volunteers own and run the pub, library, shop and post office.
Of the 2,700 residents of picturesque Trawden, near Burnley, Lancashire, around 150 regularly volunteer to help staff vital amenities, such as ferrying elderly residents to community events.
But, as MailOnline discovered, even this corner of paradise, set among stunning Pennine scenery, is not immune from the crime and anti-social behaviour more usually associated with urban squalor.
According to some residents, some of those problems, including a spike in burglaries, set in after Trawden was named by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the North-West in 2022.
But aside from the break-ins, there have been rows over parking, criminals on electric bikes targeting farmers -- and even sheep rustling.
Viewers of BBCs Happy Valley, filmed just 12 miles away over the hills (and the county border) in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, may recognise the uneasy juxtaposition of seedy crime against a dramatic rural backdrop.
But it also offers a sad insight into human nature that in this idyllic setting where so many are determined to help others and make their surroundings better, a minority have other plans.
Beautician Chantelle Smith, 31, said: We had a spate of burglaries after we were named one of the most beautiful places to live which is ironic.
Of the 2,700 residents of picturesque Trawden, near Burnley, Lancashire, around 150 regularly volunteer to help staff vital amenities
Its hailed as Britains kindest village where volunteers own and run the pub, library, shop and post office
Problems set in after Trawden was named by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the North-West in 2022
It seemed to attract criminals.
Houses were then broken into and a few cars were taken as well.
A few were broken into near me.
But its a great place to live. Ive been here all my life. It has problems like anywhere else.
Parking however is a real problem.
There is nowhere to park in the village and its a real issue at school drop-off times.
Theres been a few shouting arguments as parents park in front of peoples driveways.
But its only for 10 or 15 minutes so people should relax a bit more or learn to walk a bit further.
Beautician Chantelle Smith (pictured), 31, said: We had a spate of burglaries after we were named one of the most beautiful places to live which is ironic
Volunteers work alongside the community centre to put on festivals and support other initiatives
Locals have said farmers have felt the brunt of more robberies with yobs on electric bikes targeting them
Holding her two-year-old son Louie, she added: Ive walked picking him up from nursery.
Trawden villages plant sale has also been hit by thieves.
Hanging baskets, planters and bulbs on sale in the street with an honesty box so people could pay.
However a village Facebook page said the honesty box was disappointingly empty with most of the plants gone.
The post added: These last three days have seen us left with an empty shelf and very little in the honesty box.
It added optimistically: We are hopeful that people have taken the plants, thinking they will put the money in on another day when passing.
Sadly, there seems no sign of criminals letting up in targeting the village near Colne.
The rise in crime resulted in Lancashire Police holding a special drop-in afternoon at Trawden Forest Community Centre for residents to hear crime prevention measures and to voice their concerns
Local councillor Sarah Cockburn-Price said: There has sadly been an increase in crime in Trawden recently.
We have had a few more burglaries recently and peoples vans broken into, gym owner Rob Beauchamp (pictured) said
Local councillor Sarah Cockburn-Price said: There has sadly been an increase in crime in Trawden recently
Dog walker Derek Hughes, 45, said: Parking is a major problem as there is no room, especially at school times
House prices have gone up and there have been a few arguments over parking, one resident said
However locals have said farmers have felt the brunt of more robberies with yobs on electric bikes targeting them.
The problem was highlighted when farmer Neil Greenwood, 52, hog-tied two men on a quad bike over claims his farm was targeted.
However, he was arrested for false imprisonment and assault after he delivered the young culprits to a police station last October.
Riding her horse Paige through the village, Sue Hemingway said rural crime is a real issue.
The retired nurse, 68, said: Farmers have been robbed of quad bikes, tools and machinery.
Its a real problem and seems to be getting worse as police are more and more stretched.
A friend of mine is a keen off-road motorbike rider.
He installed huge security with lights and burglary alarms.
It was a real racket when it went off when robbers broke in
He gave chase with his son, but they got away.
Sadly, it is getting worse and worse and theres even been cases of sheep being stolen.
But this happens in many villages.
House prices have gone up and there have been a few arguments over parking.
The rise in crime resulted in Lancashire Police holding a special drop-in afternoon at Trawden Forest Community Centre
Aside from the break-ins, criminals on electric bikes have targeted farmers -- and even sheep rustling has taken place
Residents have bemoaned the increase in rural crime and complained about a lack of car parking
All houses seem to have to have two cars these days.
She added: But this is a fantastic place to live - I love it
Dog walker Derek Hughes, 45, said: Parking is a major problem as there is no room, especially at school times.
I have seen finger pointing and people swearing at each other.
There is just one road in and out so it can get pretty congested and people get worked up
The inspiring volunteering initiatives which put Trawden on the map began a decade ago when villagers formed the Trawden Forest Community Centre charity.
They feared the village was dying as its community centre faced closure so residents took matters into their own hands, buying it for £1 and running it themselves.
The initiative has now expanded to cover most of the villages most important facilities with volunteers offered discounted shopping as a reward.
The inspiring volunteering initiatives which put Trawden on the map began a decade ago when villagers formed the Trawden Forest Community Centre charity
They feared the village was dying as its community centre faced closure so residents took matters into their own hands, buying it for £1 and running it themselves
Sara Swann, 75, is one of three volunteer shop directors and trustee of the charity.
She said the shop, which is open from 8am until 6pm, needs around 90 volunteers every week to run smoothly, with 68 of those working the tills during their two-hour shifts.
Sara, who has lived in the village for 47 years, said: Some people do one shift a week others do two and some do one shift a month or every other month.
Last year alone the shop donated £45,000, which was filtered back into the community through £300 handouts to volunteer-run groups that needed help.
Sara said: The guides and Brownies took their members on trips and the primary school used the money to buy some new planters.
Some of the money also went to the mountain rescue so they could get some new equipment.
The shops produce is locally sourced with meat from the local butcher and bread and pastries from the local bakery arriving fresh every morning.
Jamie Hargreaves, 35, runs the Trawden Arms Community Pub just opposite the community hall, after locals bought it for £450,000 in 2021.
Jamie said: Ive had the freedom to make it the heart of the community.
Gym owner Rob Beauchamp admitted that the village has its problems.
We have had a few more burglaries recently and peoples vans broken into.
It happened to my brother-in-law and they took the tools out of the back of his van.
And parking can cause a few problems.
But the ex-military man, 56, added: I love the community spirit here.
Im from Birmingham originally but my wife is from here.
Its a wonderful place and everyone pulls together.