LONDON: Baldwin Street in Dunedin, on New Zealand’s south island, has a confirmed gradient of 35% at its steepest but residents of Harlech say their challenger, Ffordd Pen Llech, is steeper at 36%.

But it isn’t just about the gradient – a street must also have houses, be a public thoroughfare and be paved to be eligible for the title. Having passed those tests, however, Harlech residents have sent measurements to Guinness World Records to see if they can claim the title. The Kiwis aren’t impressed at the idea they could lose their world record.

“Whatever happens, this has been brilliant for Harlech and we’re proud of our little lane.”