'What a load of rubbish': Your reaction to Blackpool being branded the unhealthiest place in England

Readers have shared their views following the announcement Blackpool has been branded the unhealthiest place in England, according to the first official national health index.
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The resort received an overall health score of just 86 in the index released in Sunday Times, with Wokingham in Berkshire named the healthiest place in the country with a score of 110.

The scores, collected by the Office for National Statistics and financial services company Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP) were found by combining different health factors in every area such as dementia, cancer, alcohol misuse and adult obesity.

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It is thought to be the first composite health index in the world after ministers asked statisticians to assess the health of the nation in a bid to measure the effects of government policy on health.

Blackpool finished in last place in the new index.Blackpool finished in last place in the new index.
Blackpool finished in last place in the new index.

The resort received an overall health score of just 86 in the index released in today's Sunday Times, with Wokingham in Berkshire named the healthiest place in the country with a score of 110.

The scores, collected by the Office for National Statistics and financial services company Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP) were found by combining different health factors in every area such as dementia, cancer, alcohol misuse and adult obesity.

It is thought to be the first composite health index in the world after ministers asked statisticians to assess the health of the nation in a bid to measure the effects of government policy on health.

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The Lancashire County Council authority area was 82nd on the list, with an overall score of 99.

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard said: "Blackpool's challenges with public health are well known.

"Just last week in Parliament, the public health minister committed to working with me and with local health providers to tackle not only our health challenges but also things like housing which are so often a root cause of other problems."

Here's a selection of some of your views following the announcement:

Mags Elliott: "Doesn't surprise me."

Joan Croft: "What a load of rubbish."

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Ronald Minogue: "Sellafield leaking, binge drinking culture, fast food everywhere, drugs, seasonal party economy, prisoners reintegrated in the town and terrible dark winters. No surprise."

Dareen Stokes: "That was to be expected. No getting away from it."

Jean Irene Kearon: "What next are they going to find fault with about Blackpool."

Stephanie Bonham: "Not surprised with all the junk food shops that are in Blackpool."

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Richard Barry: "I blame online shopping for that. No one needs to go out to do anything."

Dave Reid: "Of course, unhealthiest, poorest, most unemployed, why not just put us number one for everything that's bad."

Mark Miles: "Not really a shock is it."

What do you think about the study? Let us know in the comments.

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