'SOULLESS TOWN' We live in UK’s biggest newbuild ‘ghost town’… there’s 1,000 homes but no shops – community centre is like an STI clinic

ONE of the UK's biggest newbuild estates has been dubbed a ghost town despite more than 26,000 people living there.

Around 1,200 homes have been built in Northstowe near Cambridge since 2017 - with 10,000 more planned.

And while tens of thousands of people call the estate home, some say it's a "ghost town" without pubs, cafes, public toilets or a GP practice.

But, others have defended it - and revealed why they love it.

Dad-of-two Dan Greef, 42, is one of the locals who thinks the town is lacking a few things.

He said: "We're now past a thousand homes, and all we've got is a post box.

He added: "At night it's like a ghost town as there's no nightlife, pubs or restaurants to eat at. It's very quiet.

"Everyone here is desperate to get things in place - and I'm aware that living here is an investment for the future. We just need developers to crack on."

Another dad, Mark, said he could see the "amazing potential" in the area.

But, he said planners "just need to pull their fingers out with the facilities" - especially a GP.

But Hannah Lumley, 42 - who moved into her three-bedroom redbrick townhouse eight months ago - has a different view.

The mum-of-three says she "wouldn't want to live anywhere else", and knew what she was getting into before she shifted.

The 42-year-old told the Mirror: "We're really enjoying it here, and there is lots of community events and a great town spirit.

"People are unhappy about the lack of facilities and places to socialise but for us we didn't expect facilities when we moved."

Hannah said there are shops in a neighbouring town that are within walking or cycling distance, and added that she's looking forward to seeing the town develop.

On its website promoting the new town, developers say:

"Northstowe is a sustainable new development near Cambridge where modern amenities are planned in an area rich in local history.

He told the BBC: "I'm very well aware there's been some frustration.

"But the thing is we've got some really good news coming along."

Ref: 'SOULLESS TOWN' We live in UK’s biggest newbuild ‘ghost town’… there’s 1,000 homes but no shops – community centre is like an STI clinic (thesun)