Poll says area is not family-friendly (From News Shopper)

12:19pm Thursday 26th April 2007

By Michael Reilly »

LEWISHAM and Greenwich are among the worst places in the UK to bring up a family, according to a survey.

The borough of Lewisham came 400th out of 408 areas in a Reader's Digest poll.

Greenwich borough was ranked 393rd, according to the survey of 1,162 parents.

The best place to live was East Dumbartonshire, six miles north of Glasgow, in Scotland.

Neighbouring borough Bexley came 49th on the list.

Lewisham councillor Chris Maines believes his town has a great community but admits there is work to be done.

He said: "Lewisham has so much going for it.

"It's a lively, diverse community.

"But the buck stops with the Mayor."

He added: "Lewisham is the only London borough without a cinema and there are not many youth clubs people want to use.

"There is also a lot of work to be done on schools in the area."

Reader's Digest polled parents around the country with children under the age of 16.

They rated the characteristics of family-friendly locations between one and 10, with 10 being the most and one being the least.

These factors were then weighted based upon the importance parents gave them.

Good state schools and a low crime rate were seen as the most important requirements for a good place to bring up a family.

These factors were followed by good hospitals, affordable family housing and high employment.

A low risk of flooding was rated the sixth most important factor, which researchers say may reflect concern about climate change.

Father-of-five Ken Hedges has lived in Eltham Hill, Eltham, for 30 years and believes the area is suitable to raise a family.

The 73-year-old retired stone cleaner said: "I think it's a nice place to bring up children.

"I was part of a large family from the area and we've done OK.

"With regards to Greenwich, I have no complaints.

"I've had a good life, but Lewisham is a different kettle of fish."

Speaking on BBC Radio London, Mayor Steve Bullock said: "Lewisham is a place with lots of energy and lots of opportunity.

"Thousands of people choose to live here and think it's a great place to raise a family."

News RSS Feed