The Government's Community Life Survey has named Barking and Dagenham, in London, as the least welcoming area in England. The index ranked all 296 local authorities in the country across eight criteria, including feelings of belonging, loneliness, local pride and levels of social cohesion.
Stoke-on-Trent and Nottinghamshire districts rank low
The London Borough was followed by Stoke-on-Trent, in Staffordshire. Two Nottinghamshire districts were also placed among the least welcoming, with large numbers of residents in Mansfield and Ashfield feeling little pride in their local area and tending to keep themselves to themselves rather than mixing with those around them.
Only 35.8% of those surveyed in Ashfield say they are proud to live in their local area, against a national average of 59.7%. The survey also reveals that just 64.5% of people believe that people from different backgrounds in Ashfield get on well, which is lower than England's average of 80.6%.
Council response and full rankings
Ashfield District Council points out that numerous community events are held annually to bring residents together, foster local pride and strengthen community bonds, including Ashfield Show and the Food and Drink Festival. A spokesperson said: "Ashfield is home to many thriving communities, dedicated volunteers and successful community initiatives, so this ranking does not reflect the experience of many of our residents."
Sitting just one position below Ashfield is Mansfield, which ranks as the fourth-least-friendly location in England. Only 40.6% of residents feel proud to call Mansfield home, while 66.2% believe people from different backgrounds get along well together.
Top 10 least friendly and friendliest areas
The top 10 least friendly UK towns are Barking and Dagenham, Stoke-on-Trent, Ashfield, Mansfield, Ipswich, Walsall, Brent, Sandwell, Thurrock and Crawley.
The 10 friendliest areas in the UK are the Isles of Scilly, South Hams, West Devon, Derbyshire Dales, Richmond upon Thames, Stratford-on-Avon, Stroud, Rutland, Winchester and Lewes.
