A Government survey has found that Waltham Forest residents are among the least satisfied with their local area in London

The national survey, carried out by the Communtiies and Local Government department, saw half a million people asked how they felt about their quality of life, council services, and anti-social behaviour.

Waltham Forest came fifth bottom out of the London boroughs,(ahead of Islington, Harrow, Hounslow and Barking & Dagenham) with residents giving an approval rating of just 59.9 per cent.

The top five were Richmond (92.1 per cent), Kensington and Chelsea(86.2 per cent0< Wandsworth (85.7 per cent), City of Westminster (83.4 per cent) and Merton (79.2 per cent).

But is life in Waltham Forest really that bad? We went to Walthamstow town square to ask shoppers there whether they think the area really is that bad.

Tricia Thomas, 30, support worker, of Wood Street, Walthamstow said: " I would say I am not happy, there is high crime rate.

"My husband was attacked in the street by a guy who had mental health issues, and the police just said there was nothing they could do.

"I feel I have been let down by the council, the police are not doing much to control crime.

"I would not go out in the evening alone, because I do not feel safe.

"One way to improve the quality of life is to crack down on crime."

Alexanda Bartlett, 36, of Leyton, said: "Waltham Forest has a large gang population, for example three years ago, six people were killed in Leytonstone.

"The problems in Waltham Forest are; drugs, alcohol-abuse, mental health, unemployment and the lack of respect from youths.

"Residents would be happier if there was an anti-gang culture."

Tony Harris, 34, a road sweeper, of Chingford mount, said: "There is a bad gang culture, I work here everyday (Walthamstow market) and all I see is drunks and nothing is being done about it."

But not everybody is negative about Waltham Forest.

Usmaan Ali, 17, a student, of Wood Street, Walthamstow, said: "I think it's an excellent area, because you can do what you want.

"The only reason people think it's particularly bad is because of crime, but you get crime everywhere."

Seyi Newell, 20, student, of Chingford hatch, said: "I'm quite shocked, I know Waltham Forest is not great, but I though it would not be the worst.

"Maybe people are not happy because of the behaviour of some kids.

"I have friends that live within Waltham Forest and they all seem to be happy, and I know a lot of people that want to move to Waltham Forest.

"I can't think of London in this day and age where crime does not happen."

What do you think? Is Waltham Forest really that bad?

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