28/8/2008Research showing Cumnock's people are 4th least cheerful in UK - do you agree??
Edinburgh was today revealed as the most miserable place in Britain. However, it wasn't the only Scottish location that apparently needs to cheer up. Clydesdale, Cumnock and Doon Valley, and Kyle and Carrick came in at number four on the misery list.
The map was drawn up using responses from the British Household Panel Survey, which quizzed 5000 UK people on lifestyle and wellbeing. Factors such as employment, health and educational qualifications are also taken into consideration.
Researchers from the Universities of Sheffield and Manchester compiled the statistics. The research was presented at the annual conference of the Royal Geographical Society and the Institute of British Geographers.
MOST CHEERFUL PLACES
1. Powys (Wales)
2. Manchester
3. West Lothian
4. Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and Monklands
5. Macclesfield
Source: British Household Panel Survey
LEAST CHEERFUL PLACES
1. Edinburgh
2. Cynon Valley and Rhondda
3. Amber Valley and north east Derbyshire
4. Clydesdale; Cumnock and Doon Valley; Kyle and Carrick
5. Swansea
Do you agree? Feel free to tell us if you do or not - and why! Just click the Comment button.
- I would say that the residents of Edinburgh are presently down in the mouth because of all the upheaval for the forthcoming tram lines. As for the people of Cumnock and Doon Valley the only reason that they are not cheerful is because of the lack of amenities and facilities in the area. Spruce up our shopping areas and give the youths somewhere to go and life would be splendid.
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The shopping area and centre of town in Cumnock is definitely an eyesore, as with the surrounding buildings, they do indeed need sprucing up. It's an embarrassment, and unfortunately when the town is shown on television, the worst parts are highlighted. In general, people are trying and local businesses are coming together to try and make it more welcoming, but things don't happen overnight although it is long overdue!!
However, never before has there been such a great choice of activities for young people. Visions Leisure Centre offers discounted rates, and with their SHOUT card children can use the facility free of charge. The new teen gym is almost open and along with the astraturf at Cumnock Academy for football etc. there is plenty choice. Games halls provide not only sporting opportunities, but some of them are kitted out with computers; playstations etc. to keep everyone busy. Local schools organise after school activities that promote healthy lifestyles. East Ayrshire Recreation Services provide the multi games facilities throughout the local towns, and their streetsport express initiative engages with young people to provide them with sporting and games activities that contribute to the intervention of youth crime.
There are also many youth groups that meet on a weekly basis, and the award winning yipworld.com which is open most evenings and weekends for young people provides more choice for participation in an abundance of activities including the high specification I.T. Suite; the recreation room; health initiatives; training opportunities; drama and music and a full professional recording studio. The TARDIS provides a one stop shop throughout the communities of East Ayrshire South, and the detached street workers are on hand with up to date accurate information and advice on the many issues that impinge on young peoples lives.
Look on the bright side of life, and let's see Cumnock eliminated from these damning research projects, "most affordable town" "carbunkle of the year" and "least cheerful places". We know that it has had a rough time with the demise of the mining communities, and if we are honest we need to admit that there will not be any investment in regards to industry, but with focus on service, tourism and the Dumfries House investment, hopefully things can only get better.