The city of Newcastle has found itself at the centre of controversy after being ranked among the top five "worst" places to live in the UK, according to a report by consultancy firm PWC for The Mirror. The list evaluated cities across 12 different criteria, including health, income, jobs, safety, skills, work-life balance, housing, commuting times, income equality, retail environment, and the potential for business start-ups.
The resurgence of this listing has generated significant backlash from residents, who have taken to social media to express their disbelief, particularly in light of the recent celebrations for Newcastle United FC's success in the Carabao Cup, which saw an estimated 300,000 people congregate in the city centre. This large turnout was described by local council leader Cllr Karen Kilgour as evidence of the city's strong community spirit. "Quite frankly, it’s baffling to see Newcastle listed anywhere near the top of this list," she stated, highlighting the lively atmosphere of the trophy parade as a testament to the city’s pride and unity.
Cllr Kilgour emphasised that Newcastle boasts a vibrant selection of free galleries and museums, alongside two top-rated universities attracting talent globally. She pointed out the emerging job opportunities in sectors such as digital technology, life sciences, and green technologies. "Anyone who classes Newcastle among the worst cities in the country would do well to spend a little time here and they'll quickly discover how wrong they are," she added, suggesting that the perceptions are not reflective of the experiences of those living in the city.
Public reactions from both long-time residents and newcomers have echoed Kilgour’s sentiments. Many locals have described the rankings as "ridiculous" and have shared examples of what they consider to be the city’s many positive attributes. Sam Milburn, who relocated to Newcastle for university, noted, "Newcastle is mint, you've got everything you could want within 10 minutes of each other like the quayside and walks to Jesmond Dene." Others shared their fond experiences of the city, with Luke Harrison mentioning the pride felt by the local community, particularly following the recent football celebrations.
Becky Sweeny, a regular visitor from Birmingham, remarked on the friendliness and safety of the city, while Nick Hall, a resident, expressed shock at the ranking, asserting that he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Their responses reflect a strong local identity and affection for the city, often contrasting sharply with external assessments.
As the debate continues, the juxtaposition of Newcastle’s vibrant community spirit against the findings of the PWC report raises questions about the criteria used and the context in which cities are assessed. The city's recent celebration, where jubilant fans lined the streets in black and white, serves as a vivid reminder of the deep connections many residents feel to their home, regardless of the city's placement on national lists.
Source: Noah Wire Services