The London borough of Barking and Dagenham has been identified as the least friendly place in the United Kingdom, according to a new study. Residents and traders in the area have expressed agreement with the findings, citing a perceived downturn in community spirit and an increase in feelings of unease.
The study, which draws on data from a government community life survey, measured factors such as neighborly interactions, feelings of loneliness, local pride, and participation in civic life. Barking and Dagenham scored low on a 'connection barometer,' with 10% of locals reporting frequent loneliness and only 21% expressing trust in their neighbors.
Some long-term residents described the atmosphere as "miserable" and uninviting. Martha Davis, a grandmother who has lived in Barking for 28 years, told the Daily Mail that she felt unsafe and feared being robbed if she were to collapse in public. She advised others to "keep yourself to yourself" in the area, noting a perceived increase in pickpockets and a general decline.
"Absolutely it's unfriendly. They spit in your face rather than talk to you," Davis said. "I'm in and out, I wouldn't spend the whole day here. There are pickpockets - the place is dying."
Other residents echoed sentiments of unfriendliness, with one cafe worker noting that while her customers were friendly, "the average person out there isn't." She described people as rude, obnoxious, and constantly on their phones, contributing to a sense that "the community has gone as well really."
However, not all perspectives were entirely negative. Some locals pointed to the variability of experiences within the borough. Omar Mukhtar, a 23-year resident, suggested that interactions depend on individual approachability, stating, "You can interact with anyone. People are approachable - they could smash your face but also ask for directions."
Faysal Khan, a resident for six years, offered a mixed view, stating, "It depends on the person basically. People are chatty, every kind of people you find in Barking. Some people are good as gold."
Adnan Tariq, a shopkeeper with 14 years in Barking, defended the area, asserting that things have improved. "What you hear and what you see are different - I'm pretty sure there are worse areas than Barking," he said, noting that past issues with gangs have been addressed and the area has seen cleanup efforts.
The study, conducted by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, placed Stoke-on-Trent, Ashfield, Mansfield, and Ipswich in the top five least friendly areas. In contrast, the Isles of Scilly were named the friendliest place in England, followed by South Hams, West Devon, Derbyshire Dales, and Richmond-upon-Thames.
The National Conversation initiative, which contributed to the study, aims to understand societal connection and cohesion. Its organizers have previously warned that communal life in Britain is under threat due to declining infrastructure, loss of trust, growing inequality, and neglect from policymakers, citing factors such as immigration management, cost of living pressures, and social media extremism as contributors to social disconnection.