A new study using Government Community Life Survey data has named Barking and Dagenham in east London as the least friendly place in the UK, and residents there say the finding rings true. Long-term locals describe a decline in community spirit, with one grandmother saying she would expect to be robbed rather than helped if she collapsed in the street, and advising others to "keep yourself to yourself."

The area scored just eight out of 100 on the National Conversation's "connection barometer", with 10% of residents saying they feel lonely "often or always" and only 21% saying they trust their neighbours. Other areas ranking as unfriendly included Stoke-on-Trent, Ashfield, Mansfield and Ipswich, while the Isles of Scilly topped the list as the friendliest place in England, followed by South Hams, West Devon, Derbyshire Dales and Richmond-upon-Thames. Despite the bleak findings, some residents defended the area, noting its notable former inhabitants, including footballers Bobby Moore and John Terry, and pointing out that friendliness in Barking "depends on the person."