Location, location, location

RISING house prices in Axbridge are soaring above the national average, but neighbouring Cheddar is losing out in the battle of the buildings. According to the latest Halifax House Price Index, property prices in Axbridge have risen 22 per cent while Cheddar's have plummeted by six per cent. Average increase is eight per cent nationally and 7.8 per cent in the South West.The average house price in Axbridge is now £272,943, over £50,000 greater than Cheddar, which stands at £218,180. But director of Annagram Estate Agents in Cheddar, Sue Iles, rubbished the figures. She said: "They are completely wrong. The figures are ridiculous. I think someone has made a miscalculation."We have houses for sale in both Axbridge and Cheddar and there is nothing between them in terms of price."Sue claims house prices in Cheddar have grown in the last year, thanks to the Draycott Park development on the edge of village. She added: "There are over 200 houses in the development and they are the most modern in Cheddar. The gardens are lovely and it's possible to get to the village centre without using any main roads. There is a high demand for houses there."Sue says house prices usually reflect school league table results. She said: "Families want to move into the catchment area of a school that has done well in the league tables. Axbridge First School has an excellent reputation, so families tend to live there for a few years, and then move to Cheddar when their children move up to Fairlands Middle School."Halifax regional manager Phil Delaney said: "The housing market in the South West has seen a pick-up in activity in 2006. There are 12 towns and cities which have recorded price rises of over 10 per cent, including Bath.