Scientists have revealed the unhealthiest and healthiest areas of the UK - and it’s not good news for Londoners.
The analysis, by researchers from the University of Liverpool , revealed that London’s Soho is the unhealthiest place to live, while Great Torrington in Devon is the healthiest.
To come to this conclusion, the researchers analysed a range of lifestyle and environmental measures from different neighbourhoods.
This included levels of air pollution , access to fast food outlets and pubs, proximity to health services, and the number of recreational spaces.
Aside from Great Torrington, the results revealed that the top healthy places to live are all located in Scotland, including Lochwinnoch in Renfrewshire, Fauldhouse in West Lothian, Foxbar in Renfrewshire and Marnoch in North Lanarkshire,
At the other end of the scale, many of the unhealthiest areas to live are in London, including Soho, Camden and Bank.
Dr Mark Green, who led the study, said: “The statistics reveal important insights about the concentration of certain amenities that may be damaging or promote health.
“For example, on average, individuals in Great Britain are just as close to a pub or bar, as they are to their nearest GP (1.1 km).
“We also found that 42% of people are within 1 km (or a few minutes’ drive time) of their nearest gambling outlet.
"These statistics reveal troubling issues with the neighbourhoods we live in and how they may be damaging to our health."
Unhealthiest places
1. Soho, Westminster
2. North Killinholme, Lincolnshire
3. Shotley Gate, Sussex
4. St. Giles, Camden
5. Bank, City of London
Healthiest places
1. Great Torrington, Devon
2. Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire
3. Fauldhouse, West Lothian
4. Foxbar, Renfrewshire
5. Marnoch, North Lanarkshire
