A recent study has identified a city in the Midlands as the second least friendly place in England. Stoke-on-Trent residents were found to be less welcoming, with a tendency to keep to themselves rather than engage with their neighbours.
This assessment stems from an analysis of Government data sourced from the Community Life Survey, which explores levels of openness and community spirit across the country. The survey considers factors such as frequency of neighbourly interaction, feelings of loneliness and belonging, pride in one’s local area, and participation in civic activities.
Stoke-on-Trent was ranked 295th out of 296 local authority areas in England, indicating that, on average, residents have less trust and communication with their neighbours, feel less connected to their community, and express lower pride in their locality.
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According to the data, only 29.3% of respondents in Stoke-on-Trent felt that many of their neighbours could be trusted, notably below the national average of 40.3%. Additionally, just 44.4% reported pride in their local area, compared to a national figure of 59.7%. While 69.5% agreed that people from different backgrounds get on well, this was still beneath the overall national rate of 80.6%.
Only Barking and Dagenham in London was ranked as less friendly and connected than Stoke-on-Trent. Nearby Black Country boroughs, including Walsall and Sandwell, also appeared in the bottom ten, placed 291st and 289th respectively. Wolverhampton and Birmingham were similarly ranked towards the lower end of the list, at 268th and 263rd.
These findings may prompt local residents and authorities to reflect on ways to strengthen community ties and foster a more welcoming environment.