"Chapel Allerton has a village atmosphere and I live in the heart of the conservation area on Victoria Street.

"What makes that atmosphere is the mix of people. In my street there are people who have lived there for 50 years alongside more recent arrivals, professionals like doctors and anaethatists.

"What knits together the old ladies and the young professionals is a desire to live in and be part of the village.

"The area is a hot spot for house prices. I sold a house in Jan 2000 and when it resold in December 2000 its price had increased by 50%.

Supply and demand
"There is very little decent property and there are seven or eight purchasers for every vendor. The law of supply and demand naturally forces prices up.

Victoria Street houses

"Historically it could be low prices in Chapel Allerton catching up with those in other attractive areas.

"Full asking prices are often achieved in 24 hours.The record has been eight hours from writing the description to accepting full asking price.

"The locals like the bus ride into town and the £5 taxi fare back from a night out in town. They like the Victoriana and the community spirit, the cafes and restaurants and the pubs, like the Regent, that are justifiably famous.

"I have worked hard to market 'the village' and have opened a gallery to display the works of local artist Clifford Stead.

"When that display finishes I am looking at displaying Chapel Allerton-based artists. I have already been approached by painters and sculptors."