Reasons to be cheerful

10:17am Friday 29th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

THE borough of Macclesfield has been named as the fifth happiest place to live in Britain.

According to new research compiled by professors at Manchester and Sheffield universities, the affluent borough came in the top 10 of a well-being list.

Topping the list was Powys in South Wales, while Manchester made a surprise number two appearance.

The research also showed eight of the top 10 happiest places in the UK are in Scotland and the north of England, with only the borough of Sutton representing London on the list.

Dr Dimitris Ballas from the University of Sheffield, who carried out the research in collaboration with Dr Mark Tranmer at the University of Manchester by analysing findings from the UK Census and the British Household Panel Survey, said: “There really is something about the intrinsic nature of places which can influence happiness and wellbeing. The environment, lack of green spaces, air and noise pollution, crime rates: all of these influence happiness."

But he said perceived happiness wasn’t all about money, adding: “The study corroborated research findings of past happiness studies suggesting unemployment hurts, but it hurts less when there are more unemployed people around you. This also highlights the importance of social justice issues and social and spatial inequalities in determining happiness.”

Council leader Frank Keegan said of the news: "I'm delighted the borough of Macclesfield comes out in the top five. Ultimately, happiness boils down to employment levels and people's needs.

“With low unemployment, good schools in the area and property prices weathering the downturn, residents are likely to feel happier."