Luton in Bedfordshire has had some bad press in recent years, with the town 29 miles away from London recently named the “worst place to live” in the UK. In 2023, it was given the dreaded title after an annual survey, compiled by iLivehere, resulted in a majority of 105,598 voters picking Luton. However, the borough council has insisted that the area is improving and that the issues it is facing are seen elsewhere. A councillor has also claimed that the fact that the Channel 4 show 24 Hours in Police Custody is filmed there gives Luton a bad reputation. The Express asked locals what they made of the label and whether the town was really that bad.

Residents claimed people run around with blades, and they fear getting stabbed while out and about. They have also had their doors kicked, and feel intimidated on the high street by groups “swilling drinks down their throats” and “swearing and shouting”. In addition, different nationalities in the town reputedly “keep themselves to themselves”.

Standing in the doorway of her house on an estate in Wigmore, Sandra Winter, 62, who has lived in Luton for 29 years, said it has got “progressively worse” and she is moving away.

She said: “It depends where you go. This area is lovely, but we won’t go into Luton.

“We’re moving to Norfolk, that’s how bad it is. My parents are still alive but it’s getting worse where they are.”

Ms Winter then said she is “scared” when going out in case she gets “knifed down the street”.

She said she is “constantly hearing police”, and has been the victim of anti-social behaviour herself.

“We have had people kicking on the door because they feel like it,” the pensioner said.

“Over the last five years it has got worse. I do go for a walk every day, but my partner won’t let me use the route where we used to go.”

Adrian Rigden, 66, a retired industrial electrician, said: “Well, I’ve been here all my life and, basically, some bits have got better and some bits have got worse. But, personally, if we shop, we go out to Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage.

“I don’t go into Luton.” But, generally, he feels safe in the area. Adrian’s wife, Gillian, 62, a former administrator, said: “We’re fairly surrounded by streetlights really, in this position.

“You’d have to be a bit mad to break in, I think.” She added: “Some of the knife crime is a bit worrying that you keep hearing. Now and again we’ve had a bit of trouble with gangs apparently, killing each other off, as it were.”

Gillian then mentioned that they had someone “charged across” outside the couple’s house with a knife some months ago.

KD Campbell, 28, a security worker, moved to Luton in February with his family. He was more positive about his new home.

“We came from north London, so, from what I’ve seen, I wouldn’t say that it is one of the worst areas. Yes, you get a lot of homeless people around, you get a lot of homeless people everywhere. That’s just life.

“You can’t say anything is worse, you can’t say anything is better, because everywhere has its ups and downs no matter where you go.”

If he had to pick out a bad thing, he would say the road conditions are not great. The best thing about the area is its people, KD added, and he loves the town centre, where he goes to buy the things he needs.

China Rush, 32, a Metropolitan Police officer, was walking her three month old puppy, Mika, in Wigmore Park.

When asked about knife crime, she said: “I know it’s on the news, and I know I’ve seen it on a documentary… but I don’t actually work around here.

“But from where I am, I’ve never seen any issues with knife crime. But I know it does happen.”

Labour Councillor James Taylor, Luton Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, told the Express that the issues highlighted by residents are “not specific to Luton”, and “it does seem to be a bit of a trend to kick Luton in the media”.

“I don’t think it’s deserved,” he added. Some of this is down to “snobbery”, Cllr Taylor believes, as regards the town’s multi-ethnic and working class population, with Luton surrounded by more wealthy areas.

“We’ve always been resilient,” he added. “We’re a working class town and we’re proud of who we are.”

Moreover, the local politician claimed that crime numbers locally are “coming down”, as the council works with neughbourhood enforcement to make residents “feel safer”.

Cllr Taylor then claimed that the fact that the Channel 4 show “24 Hours in Police Custody” is filmed in the area means a “side to urban life that doesn’t tend to be shown everywhere” influences viewers’ perception of Luton.

Nevertheless, he added: “We get that people do feel intimidated and unsafe.” Cllr Taylor said: “While many challenges Luton faces are seen nationwide, the safety and wellbeing of our residents remains a top priority. We’re working closely with partners through the Community Safety Partnership to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour bring all our communities together and help people feel safer.

“Our Town Centre Taskforce, launched six months ago, is already making a visible difference, thanks to collaboration with key local organisations including the Police, Luton BID, and community groups. Increased policing and council patrols have led to over 800 fines for littering and 136 breaches of the Public Spaces Protection Order.

He also mentioned that the new Universal theme park in Bedfordshire will help “soften the blow” of the recent loss of the Vauxhall factory in Luton and its many jobs.

The councillor added: “We’re also seeing continued investment, with national retailers expanding in Luton Point, new food outlets opening on Feast Street, and major developments like Power Court, which will host Luton Town Football Club, and The Stage housing development, set to transform the town.

“With over 40 free events last year and more planned for 2025, Luton town centre is becoming a vibrant, welcoming destination.”