Council leaders have dismissed a survey which ranks Lincolnshire districts amongst some of the worst places to live in the country.
The recent Sunday Times poll rated six of the county’s seven districts within the 100 worst areas in England.
Boston Borough was named the fifth worst, ranking 287th out of 291 districts, with East Lindsey also in the bottom 10, placed 281st.
Boston was ranked the fifth worst area to live. Image: Google
South Holland, which forms the South & East Lincolnshire Councils partnership along with Boston and East Lindsey, ranked 154th, also in the bottom 50.
Other districts were: South Kesteven 181st, North Kesteven 226th, Lincoln 248th and West Lindsey 251st.
Coun Anne Dorrian, leader of Boston Borough Council described locals as ‘salt of the Earth’ and that ‘anyone who’s lived here for more than five minutes knows that’.
Boston Borough Council leader Anne Dorrian
“I am deeply disappointed to read that Boston is yet again being promoted so negatively by the national press,” she said.
“It really is disheartening when I know how good and kind the people of this town are.
“Bostonians are the salt of the Earth and anyone who’s lived here for more than five minutes knows that.
The figures which have been used to compile this dreadful list are largely based on NHS and hospital data, as well as information from local schools, all of which are outside the control of this council.
“I would like to reassure residents that this council is working hard to improve the lives and opportunities of our local people and to enhance the sense of pride and community that is deeply felt by people who call Boston their home.
“I am pleased the council is continuing to organise free events for folk to enjoy on their doorsteps. Thousands attended the Christmas Festival and we have a full programme planned for the coming year.
“Boston has been my home for over 40 years and I am proud to be part of this fantastic community.
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage people to speak up for Boston at every opportunity and show others how much you care about your home town.”
East Lindsey leader Coun Craig Leyland said his district – which includes the beautiful Wolds and some of the country’s most popular holiday destinations was a ‘fantastic place’.
East Lindsey leader Coun Craig Leyland
“It is disappointing the Sunday Times has rated East Lindsey in this way. It is not helpful when we know that the district is a fantastic place to live and work, to raise a family and to retire,” he said.
“Many of the metrics, such as schools and NHS targets are out of the control of the district council and fall with other local and health authorities.
“East Lindsey has an abundance of positives from all its community-spirited villages and market towns, the Lincolnshire Wolds an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to the picturesque coastline offering award winning beaches for days out and breaks away.
“There is so much to see and do in East Lindsey on the doorsteps for residents including local heritage and culture, events, markets, all supported by independent shops and businesses.
“Community groups, volunteers, and organisations are the fabric of this district and at times of need, communities in East Lindsey all pull together and support one another.
“More than 144,000 call East Lindsey their home and what a fantastic decision they all made.”
South Holland leader Coun Nick Worth also praised his patch in Lincolnshire, stating he was ‘proud’ to call the district home.
South Holland leader Coun Nick Worth
“This survey is not representative of the thoughts of the majority of people who live in South Holland and the survey is based on a number of metrics which are out of the control of the district council,” Coun Worth said.
“South Holland is a beautiful and safe district to live and a fantastic place to raise a family. It is a thriving district with so much to be proud of.
“People come to live in South Holland because housing is more affordable, people are friendly, the pace of life is slower and the quality of life with its big skies, abundance of wildlife and beautiful sunsets makes it a wonderful place to live.
“I have travelled extensively and lived abroad for a short while but South Holland beats anywhere in the world for its stunning sunsets and quality of life.
“It is a great place to live. I am proud to call South Holland my home and I’m sure the many thousands who live and work here are proud to be part of such a fantastic community.”
North Kesteven District Council leader Coun Richard Wright said: “We’re pleased to see that North Kesteven ranks highly among other areas of Lincolnshire, but we take such surveys with a healthy pinch of salt.
“One of the Sunday Times’ fairly arbitrary categories reflects the low crime rate locally, where we’re shown to be the fifth best in the UK, while we’re penalised for the small number of parks we have – despite having hundreds of miles of beautiful countryside walks to discover.
“Recent studies from other organisations regularly rank our district amongst the top areas in the UK.
“For example, the Office for National Statistics recently named North Kesteven as the happiest place to live in England, while North Hykeham has been heralded as Lincolnshire’s safest town.
“North Kesteven was named as the second-best rural area in the UK to move to, and one of the top ten places to build a house.
“Whatever these surveys and research projects say, local people know that we enjoy a great quality of life, friendly communities and quality services. As a council our hard-working teams and Members are dedicated to serving our residents and working for a greener, brighter future.
“We enjoy great facilities for leisure and fitness, plus beautiful nature reserves, green spaces and footpath networks.
“Our towns and villages offer a range of national brands alongside independent shops and businesses, and there’s investment by our Council to help attract new jobs and build on our strong local economy.
“Arts, craft, heritage and culture are celebrated through various venues, including the Terry O’Toole theatre in North Hykeham the Hub in Sleaford, both of which have enjoyed investment in recent years, and the spectacular RiverLight festival.
“Most importantly of all, the people who make up our communities are passionate about supporting each other, as we love to show in our annual NK Community Champion awards.”
All seven of Lincolnshire’s District Councils were offered the opportunity to comment on the findings of the survey.
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