Britain's 'unhappiest place to live' full of betting shops and pawnbrokers

30 December 2023 , 20:16

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Britain's 'unhappiest place to live' has been named and it's bad news for Dudley residents (Image: BirminghamLive)

Britain's "unhappiest place to live" may have been revealed, with the little town falling into disrepair during the Christmas season.

Though Christmas is a time for good tidings in most parts of the country, for those in the cramped Dudley town, it could be a miserable one as they are surrounded by betting shops and pawnbrokers. The deprived Midlands area has slumped in recent years, with its near-dead high street noted for a lack of variety.

For those wanting to bet away their earnings or bring some bits and pieces to a pawn shop, then it appears to be the ideal area. But for those living in Dudley for more than gambling and selling household items, the place leaves much to be desired.

Nick and Yvonne Lesycsyznski, aged 62 and 56, said: "This isn't the Dudley I know, it isn't a very clean town. You can see the poverty."

One couple claimed Dudley was not 'a very clean town' (BirminghamLive)

The duo believe the place is not where it used to be, and their verdict comes just a short while after the Black Country area was labelled the "unhappiest" place to live on Rightmove.

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Mrs Lesycsyznski added: "It has gone downhill, it is a shame to see the buildings put to waste. It would be a nice town if there was more investment."

Another member of the public, speaking to BirminghamLive, said: "Dudley is not what it used to be, by a long way." This has been our main shopping area for 70 years. It is more rundown, there's a lack of quality shops."

Defensive Dudley residents elsewhere have tipped what they believe is an even worse part of the country. "It should say Wolverhampton. Everybody I know from Wolverhampton is miserable," Robert Bennett said.

His brother, Alan, 69, said: "I don't agree with the survey, there is nothing wrong with Dudley people, they are jolly folk." A supposedly lively market was reported earlier this week though this increase in foot traffic may have something to do with the influx of holiday shopping.

Ewan Gleadow