An annual list of the worst places to live in Britain has been revealed for 2022 - and it's not looking good for us Loiners, nor for some of our Yorkshire neighbours further afield.
This year, a record-breaking 110,172 residents voted for their own towns and communities in 2022 survey - making us think, perhaps the two years of near-successive lockdowns have got some people wanting out?
The survey, conducted by online platform iLiveHere UK, speaks to people from all across the country to gather data on what it's like to live in Britain's various towns - and in 2022 they've been pretty damning when it comes to sharing their opinions on their own communities.
'The worst place to live in the UK' is not exactly a title to flaunt with pride - yet here we are, with Leeds ranking at (fairly respectable) number 38, followed by a further seven Yorkshire towns that also made it on to the list.
Joining Leeds (“My God where do I start”) on this year's list are Bradford (no.10), Huddersfield (no.2), Hull (no.24), Rotherham (no. 47), Doncaster (no. 46), Middlesborough (no. 44), and Barnsley (no.41).
But it's not just the rankings. There are comments too - and the residents don't pull any punches, especially when it comes to Bradford, which is dubbed West Yorkshire's "very own Heart of Darkness".
One contributor said of the city, "Want the best deals come to Bradford, buy 1 get 1 free chicken and chips, a stolen PS4 from some Slovakian at Foster Square or some cheap deodorants from the local junkie desperate for his next fix."
Another added, "Bradford is awash with the kind of people documentary producers dream about, if you want entire families of career criminal scroats with the morals of a paedophilic serial killer in your fly on the wall production."
As for Huddersfield, which came in at second place, the comments are even worse. One local said, "There’s nothing but pound shops and a few coffee shops. It’s polluted, unclean and full of idiots. It’s a horrible place to live."
Another added, "To those considering migrating to Huddersfield, first consider the minimum qualifying requirements:
"Must have a minimum of three kids, of which at least one must be 50% genetically unrelated to the other two. (Preferably diagnosed with ADHD)
"Must have a BMI greater than 30
"Have teeth like a burnt-out fusebox
"Must agree to dump a shopping trolley and/or a mattress in your sh#t tip of a garden"
Another added, more kindly, that "Not all of Huddersfield is bad… just 70% of it."
On a lighter note though, a town that has previously enjoyed “three glorious years of taking the crown” has been knocked off the top spot, with Peterborough being knocked down to 5th on the list and being replaced by the Buckinghamshire town of Aylesbury at number 1.
Aylesbury scored an impressive 25% more votes than its nearest competitor, Huddersfield, with locals saying the town’s traffic jams were part of the “magnificent beauty” of the area, and “all part of the tour.”
Top 10 Worst Places to Live in England 2022
Aylesbury
Huddersfield
Luton
Liverpool
Peterborough
Bolton
Corby
Jaywick
Slough
Bradford
You can read the 2022 list of Top 50 Worst Places to Live in England 2022here.
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
The Hoot -
4th January 2022 
