by Eric Simpson BBC News Online, Nottingham

The High Street still looks much like it did a century ago

Residents in Market Harborough are proud of the buoyant economy and low crime rate in their corner of England.

And they don't really want too many people to find out.

The town's charms are already attracting an influx of residents who are commuting to London in just over an hour - and enjoying the low house prices and quiet atmosphere the rest of the time.

Estate agents call it the ideal town for clients who want to the best of the city and countryside.

Market forces

But town planner Brent Culpin says: "We need a balance and we don't want a town that is dead during the day, but filled with returning commuters at night."

In the heart of hunting country, the town has access to transport with the M1 and M6 close by but is surrounded by quiet rolling hills.

The town's oldest church dates back to 1660 and the grammar school is still standing - and is even older than the church.

Boutiques beckon We've lost the personal touch in the town, but we have more money flowing in Ian White Businessman

Councillor John Fort says the town has not really changed a lot, but adds: "Some people have been antagonistic about the newcomers, saying there are not enough doctors, dentists and other services to go around.

"But we have let market forces take care of that."

So how much has the town changed?

It now has a population of about 17,000, but planners have approved 6,500 new homes for the period between 1994 and 2006, with the majority close to town.

House prices have jumped in the past decade as an influx of affluent families have arrived in the region.

A Victorian terrace will cost about �95,000, while a new four-to-five bedroom house sell for �180,000 to �250,000, estate agents say.

Pockets of deprivation

You might pay as much as �500,000 for an executive home, but that is just about the top of the market.

Ian White, who has just sold his high street lighting shop, says: "People are coming for the better quality of life - they can earn a lot of money in London and bring it back here.

"But we've lost the personal touch in the town as a result, but we have more money flowing in."

Planner Brent Cuplin says: "There are plenty of wealthy and professional people, but a decline of jobs for people in the manual sector.

"That raises the issue of pockets of hidden depravation in what is otherwise a wealthy area."

But local hotelier John Greeenwood, who runs the Three Swans Hotel, is not worried about the town losing its character.

"People would like to change the town to something a bit more fast-paced, but the Harboroughans wouldn't stand for it," he says.

Some families have lived here for a very, very long time, he said, adding that: "After a while, you come to do things their way rather than try to make them do things your way."