A recent public survey has revealed the top 50 worst places to live in England and some Lancashire towns topped the list, including Blackburn.
In the survey conducted by ILiveHereUK, a site which allows the public to rate and review towns and cities, more than 125,000 people voted and submitted their ‘worst place to live’ in the country.
Burnley was ranked at number 38, Accrington at 35, Blackburn came in at 28 and the coastal town of Blackpool was ranked at number 15.
However, we disagree with the rankings and think every Lancashire town has its own benefits and merits.
Blackburn, in particular, doesn’t deserve to be on the list – and locals as well as Blackburn councillors think the town deserves a lot more credit.
John Tomlinson, a 61-year-old from Clitheroe says there are definitely “worse places” in the world.
He added: “Wherever you go, they all have bad places to live, don’t they?
“My daughter lives in the states, in L.A. and she says they have the same problems there, there are 9,000 people who are homeless there.”
18-year-old Aaron from Accrington admitted that “it’s definitely not the best place, but it’s not the worst.
“We’ve got shops, stalls, everything you need. The houses are up to spec, compared to prices that they could be charging. I don’t think it should be considered one of the worst places.”
“It has gone downhill, I must admit,” said 67-year-old Kathleen from Blackburn. “But this is the only place I come and it has everything I need, so I think it’s ok.”
As they apply to become a city, councillors want to remind locals just how “special” Blackburn is.
Cllr Mohammed Khan CBE, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Everyone who cares about Blackburn with Darwen knows just how special our place is.
“We have stunning countryside on our doorstep and have so many green spaces including the beautiful Witton Park and Corporation Park and so many other attractive green spaces around the town, which provide local residents with the perfect place to spend time outdoors - essential for health and wellbeing.
“There is also our vibrant arts scene and leisure and entertainment in Blackburn, with King George’s Hall attracting some top names, the new Reel Cinema and the brilliant award-winning National Festival of Making in the town every year.
Cllr Khan also pointed out that “exciting” developments are springing up all over the town such as the Blakey Moor area development which includes the town’s new statue celebrating the legendary Barbara Castle, who did so much to put Blackburn on the map when she was MP.
Local stars, such as Grace Davies who recently had a song reach the UK top 40, are also a credit to the town.
He added: “Home-grown stars such as Grace Davies, who is currently doing well in the music charts, and AJ Odudu, who regularly tops the Strictly Come Dancing leader board, are an inspiration to our town's young people.”
- READ MORE: Grace Davies opens up about Blackburn roots after charting success
- READ MORE: Blackburn's AJ Odudu opens up about Strictly Come Dancing fame
Mr Khan also added that we should be “massively proud” of Blackburn’s heritage and textile industry “which continues through Patrick Grant’s investment in the town and the development of new fashion and textile brands and companies.”
He added: “There’s a strong entrepreneurial spirit and we boast some very successful businesses such as the Issa brothers who run an international company with Eurogarages and who are investing back into the town and helping it grow, and Blackburn’s Star Academies have some of the top rated schools in the country.
“We have all this, and a wonderfully diverse community that came together so well over the past 18 months as we battled the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Councillor Khan pointed out the community spirit in town filled with people and organisations who are eager to help those in need.
He explained: “Research carried out during the pandemic showed that people in Blackburn, and neighbouring Darwen, were more likely to volunteer than those living in other parts of England.
“At the start of the pandemic, people from all walks of life in our town looked for opportunities to help those in need. We have also recently celebrated many of these community heroes through our annual Community Volunteer Awards.
“Community pride can be seen all around us and it’s engrained in everything we do.”
He concluded: “As a Council, we are absolutely determined to help people living here have the best possible quality of life and the chance to raise their aspirations through the many opportunities that we can offer. For us that means making things as fair and inclusive as possible so that people have all the chances that they deserve.
"I think all this makes Blackburn a pretty wonderful place to live.”
Here is the full list of 50 worst places to live in England:
Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...
You can follow the Lancashire Telegraph on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Lancashire Family page
If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters
Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer
Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227
Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact our newsdesk at lancsnews@nqnw.co.uk or by using our online contribution form
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel