A UK town nicknamed “home of the chavs” has also been branded the slobbiest place in Britain, but the police are stepping in to make changes two-years on since the “award.”
Researchers back in 2022 found the unfit folk of Chatham, Kent, were the least likely to cycle or walk. The Medway town is already famous for its inhabitants’ love of Burberry fashions, tracksuits, baseball caps and “blingy” jewellery. They have not lifted the title, but have tried to tackle crime.
Police have announced a “Clear, Hold, Build,” strategy this week which aims to remove problematic trouble-makers from the town centre of Chatham. These measures include high-visibility police patrols to curb bad behaviour.
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“The vast majority of people who live in this part of Chatham are law-abiding residents who want to enjoy their lives free from crime and antisocial behaviour,” said Ch Insp Garry Cook, district commander for Medway to the BBC.
(Image: KMG / SWNS.COM)
“Unfortunately there are some who are being prevented from doing so by a minority of selfish individuals who regularly commit offences, intimidate others and make people feel unsafe in their own community.”
The police aim to make the area feel safer for residents. They will be “equipped and empowered to build a strong and resilient community free from crime and exploitation,” according to officers.
Some people believe the lack of activities to be a contributing factor to crime. A Forbes Advisor spokesman said: “Chatham is the worst location in the UK for exercise lovers.”
(Image: KMG / SWNS.COM)
It scored just 14 out of 100 in the fitness index – the lowest of any towns or city. Kevin Pratt, of Forbes Advisor, said: “If you live in an area that has the spaces and facilities to enable you to get plenty of exercise, that’s something to celebrate.”
Chatham resident Adrian Richardson, 34, previously confessed: “We are a bunch of slobs. Wherever you go you see people with muffin tops and bingo wings, and it’s a rare sight indeed if you see someone jogging.”
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Slobs like telly’s Wayne and Waynetta – played by Harry Enfield and Kathy Burke – are also rife in Doncaster where motormouth Jeremy Clarkson was born.
It came second on the list with Scunthorpe in Lincs, Gillingham in Kent, and Lincoln not far behind. At the other end of the scale, folk in Southport, Merseyside, were rated the fittest.
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