UK's most diverse street: Praise for road where residents speak 70 different languages
WITH more than 70 languages spoken and 14 different places of worship, this road is being hailed as Britain's most multi-cultural street.
More than 70 different languages are spoken on Barton Street
Barton Street in Gloucester is teeming with dozens of cultures and ethnic groups, with local police calling it a "a great example of successful multi-culturalism".
It was once traditionally a place where the Jewish community lived but over the years there has been a large influx of Muslim and Eastern European families.
Any visitor is likely to meet people from more than 25 different countries – including India, Jamaica, Turkey, Albania, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
Sergeant Matt Puttock, who spent most of his eight-year career in the force patrolling the street, hailed Barton Street last night.
He said "Without doubt I see some of the strongest examples of sense of community here which I have never encountered in other urban or rural areas.
"When you consider how many different identities and groups there, there is no doubt it is a great example of successful British multi-culturalism."
Avni Duka, from Albania, stands outside a cafe on the Gloucester street
It's a friendly place and its diversity is a strength to the area
One resident, 41-year-old Reyaz Limalia, also believes the community spirit along the 1km road is unparalleled.
"I am biased but I can see the advantages. It's a friendly place and its diversity is a strength to the area.
"You see it everyday and it's wonderful."
Yasir Khan, from Pakistan, on the road, which is home to 14 places of worship
Zohra Patel has lived in Barton for 25 years after living in India, Mauritius and Madagascar – where she was born.
The florist said: "Now when you walk down the street you rarely hear English. There are so many languages from all over, from Bangladesh to Pakistan and India.
"It's really good because such a mix makes for more tolerance and understanding of different people. The variety is amazing."