Is Staffordshire really so bad?

Popular property programme Location Location Location recently launched a list of the 20 best and worst places to live in the country, with parts of Staffordshire falling into the latter.

The criteria for the survey was based on crime, education, environment, lifestyle, healthcare and employment.

Cannock Chase, which is largely classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty with its dense woodlands and sprawling valleys, came in at number 16 in the 20 Worst Places to Live in the UK.

The show's presenters, Phil Spencer and Kirsty Allsopp, said of the area: "You'd think Cannock Chase would be a great place to live, but think again. Just under the surface – literally – lies the reason for Cannock Chase's poor showing on our list of losers – coal."

However, it seems most of those commenting about the area on the show's website forum would disagree.

One user wrote: "I love Cannock Chase, there are some really cool walks in the forests. IT shouldn't be one of the worst places – ridiculous!"

Another said: "Moved to Cannock 4 years ago and it's the nicest place we've lived so far. Can't believe it's not in the Top 20 places to live. It's surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty and the investment/re-development happening at the moment is only going to improve it more."

Only a small number of peoplee have so far agreed with Phil and Kirsty's summary, adding comments such as: "Cannock is a dump, knock it all down and start again" and "Are there really 15 other places worse than Cannock? Hard to believe."

Nearby Stoke-on-Trent didn't fair well either. It was named as the 13th worst place to live in the UK, and described by the show as "one of the most depressed – and depressing – areas in the country".

We want to know what you think of Staffordshire. Which are the best and worst parts to you? And does the area really deserve to be on the 'worst' list? If so, why? Over to you...

Click here to see the full list of 20 Best and Worst Places to Live

By Lara Page