The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
ANGER AS CITY DUBBED WORST PLACE TO LIVE
Negative report against Peterborough prompts backlash
A survey which saw Peterborough voted as the country’s worst place to live has sparked a furious reaction from residents who have hit out at the poll.
The survey carried out by ilivehere.co.uk was featured on a national website, prompting a huge backlash here in Peterborough from people angry that the city was placed at the top of the list.
The Peterborough Telegraph was inundated with comments from readers who largely disagreed with the survey, while many pointed out that the website was best ignored as it largely featured anonymous, negative attacks on various towns and cities across the country using little more than crass and vulgar language.
Among those who took the slight against Peterborough to heart was former city council leader and mayor John Peach.
Mr Peach stated that the redevelopment of the city centre had begun under his leadership, which has now seen St John’s Square, Bridge Street, Cowgate, Long Causeway and Westgate all spruced up.
He said: “This has bought a whole new dimension to Peterborough, not only in the day but also in the early evening and the nighttime economy.”
Mr Peach also questioned the survey, which saw nearly 50,000 people take part, adding: “It would be interesting to see the criteria for voting as I don’t think many people in Peterborough would share that view.”
Members of the council’s cabinet also took umbrage at the survey during their meeting on Monday.
Cllr David Seaton, cabinet member for resources, described Peterborough as a “wonderful city to live in”, highlighting attractions such as the cathedral, Bronze Age site Flag Fen and Nene Valley Railway.
He added: “Where they are getting this rubbish from, I simply don’t know.”
Among those to comment on the Peterborough Telegraph’s Facebook page about the survey were James Hughes, who wrote: “My job takes me to lots of other towns in the region. trust me. we are lucky to live here.”
Berni Keehn said: “Peterborough is a great place to live I moved here 40 years ago and still proud to live here.”
Caroline Harmer stated: “Moan moan moan - why don’t you all move to utopia - peterborough would be a much better place without all the detrimental comments.”
Paul Hudson added: “Would be a much nicer place if all the moaners left, there are hundreds of places in this country that are far worse.”
However, Marcia Martin wrote: “When you’ve visited the cathedral, the museum, ferry meadows and the river embankment what’s left ‘spoons.”