Me personally, no. Just used it as an example to show that parts of the north are in fact rather posh. And no, I wasn't thinking of Croydon as a contrast, but now you mention it.....
As a Brightonian now living in the North West I feel that I am well qualified to confirm that Burnley is indeed the arse end of all arse ends! However, there are some nice rural areas nearby. If he's sensible,?? Ash will decide to live near Manchester which would mean a 40 minute drive to work.