Grimsby

I know there’s more to Grimsby than this caricature suggests. I am not sure what these sort of indices achieve apart from to run down and depress places rather than lift them up…. The story tells us:

Takeaways, betting shops and off licences are just some of the reasons Grimsby has been crowned “Britain’s unhealthiest High Street”.

Grimsby has long been the butt of much negative mirth. The fishing port was left reeling when, in 2014, Channel 4 filmed its Skint documentary, portraying the town as poverty-stricken and a benefit black spot.

So it would come as no surprise that the “unhealthiest” appellation would ruffle feathers again.

The feeling of anger was particularly strong on Freeman Street, a half-mile long strip lined with a myriad of businesses alongside a 145-year-old fruit and vegetable market which used to be the town’s main shopping area.

“It’s just one more kick in the teeth,” said Grimsby fitness instructor Daniel Westcott.

Mr Westcott launched the North East Lincolnshire Enough is Enough Action Group in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour problems in the town.

He described The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH)’s report ranking 70 major UK towns and cities as “flawed”.

“It’s not a fair reflection at all,” he said.