And just like the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan – which has made happiness part of Government policy – they say their street has hit on the formula for a happy life.

Councillors on a walkabout in Masonwood this week found that, unlike other areas of the county, homeowners hardly had a single complaint to make about living there.

The Evening Post has visited residents to ask them exactly why life there so good.

Eric Swithenback, 77, a grandfather of four and retired GEC worker, has lived in Masonwood with his wife Patricia, 70, since the homes were built in 1982.

He said: "It is peaceful and quiet. We don't get any hassle from anyone.

"The people living next door but one bought their house because they knew us and they wanted the same situation we had. Their children grew up, they moved in and they love it."

Dorothy Woods, 79, who has lived in the street for 16 years, said: "It is quiet and nobody bothers me. When I first moved in people were my age. Now they are younger and they go out to work and there's no children round here."

A 32-year-old resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I can hear the birds singing when I get up in the morning. The neighbours look after each other here and it is safe. I don't think I would live anywhere else now."

Barry Else, 65, who regularly visits his 87-year-old mother in the street, said: "It is a cul-de-sac so you are not getting any through traffic and you don't get any hooligans down here. It's set back off the road and if you look at it, there's only one way in and one way out so you don't get cars."

County Coun Welsh said not one resident complained about youths, litter, dog dirt, or traffic.

The only gripe was the street lights were not bright enough, which will be fixed soon.

He added: "The neighbours look out for each other and there is a stability and a sense of wellbeing."

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