Colchester is one of UK's 'least relaxing places' to live

A new study analysed key metrics which contribute towards how relaxing a place may be to live in, such as the cost-of-living compared to pay, and the accessibility of gyms and parks.

Colchester was named the nation’s third least relaxing area to live in, after London and Sunderland.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the city’s residents report lower levels of happiness compared to other UK cities.

Dreary - Colchester Town Hall on a gloomy day (Image: Jonathan Dann/Wikimedia Commons)

The research suggests the happiness of Colchester’s population is reduced by an apparent lack of access to green spaces and longer working hours in comparison to those living elsewhere in the country.

The revelation has divided opinion among Gazette readers, with traffic being the main concern of many residents.

According to reader Johanna Coe: “Colchester is lovely if you want to get stuck in traffic and the estate I live on is dirty with glass and rubbish all over the pavement.

“We used to have road sweepers but not seen one for years. On the pavements you have to watch where you are walking because they are uneven.

“You might tread in dog poo or trip over the bikes and scooters. Colchester is a wonderful dirty place to live in.”

Green - Castle Park is a much loved green space in Colchester (Image: David Jefford)

Another reader claimed Colchester should’ve claimed the top spot, while ex-resident Stacey Farrington wrote: “I would never ever live in Colchester again and would never go to Colchester if wasn’t for visiting family.

“The roads are terrible, and the infrastructure is just awful.”

Another ex-resident, Adam Cardy, added: “I now live in Clacton but am Colchester born and bred.

“The only, but major, issue with Colchester is the traffic. I’m aware space is an issue, but why build new roads but close another.

“Ipswich Road roundabout is now worse than before the alteration, as traffic backed up from the Brook Street lights now jam the roundabout whereas it didn’t with the previous orientation.

“I know [the council] wants fewer cars in the town centre but realistically those who drive, will drive.”

Reflecting on living in the city for two decades, Janice McGill said: “Overcrowded, overpriced, congestion horrendous and extremely stressful.

“Moved back to Scotland. Fresh air, freedom and above all beautiful landscape and scenery.”

Not everyone agreed with BrownsCBD, the company which completed the research, with some diehard fans of the city refuting the findings.

Resident Lisa Chandler exclaimed: “I completely disagree. I love every moment living here in Colchester. We have beautiful Castle Park, lakes, and walks.”

Jane Bass, a fan of Colchester’s green spaces, added: “I find Castle Park, Abbey Fields, and other green areas very relaxing.”

Deputy Colchester Council leader Mark Cory debunked the “nonsense” research.

Councillor - Mark Cory (Image: Archant)

He said: “We’ve got a fantastic city with lots on offer which is always buzzing.

“Some people may not relax in busy, bustling environments, but we’ve got some fantastic green spaces across the city.

“I come from Wivenhoe and love where I live. When I visit West Mersea I love what I see. There are loads of great things in and around Colchester.

“I think the people of Colchester understand there are many good positives. We need to work on the negatives around things like traffic, but I think people enjoy living and relaxing here."

Colchester wasn’t the only Essex city to feature on the list, with Southend claiming the seventh place on the list.