London's district of Hackney has been slammed as the worst place to live in the UK, according to a poll.
It came bottom of the heap out of all the UK's 434 local authorities based on five criteria - crime, environment, lifestyle, education and employment.

The worst five boroughs

1. Hackney, east London
2. Tower Hamlets, east London
3. Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales
4. Newham, east London
5. Islington, north London

Hackney has its defenders though, with its mayor Jules Pipe, saying: "Of course Hackney has problems, as do all inner city boroughs, but it is an amazing place to live.

"It is diverse and exciting with fantastic architecture, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and a bright future as an Olympic borough."
The research was carried out for Channel 4's The Best and Worst Places to Live in the UK: 2006.

From: Hackney marshes, The Worst Place To Live, October 22, 2006, Sky News

More at: Slammed

Is your town a hotspot or a hellhole?
Coming to Channel 4 soon in an hour-long special is Phil Spencer and Sofie Allsopp's quest to find 2006's perfect place to live - and worst. October 26, 8pm

See also: The Slammers