Every city has its quirks and dodgy streets along with shining landmarks that make residents proud. Most places are beloved by locals, who ignore or even embrace the not-so-great parts but for Peterborough hating the city is medal winning.
The bustling city on the outskirts of Cambridge has been crowned worst place to live for the fourth time in five years, reclaiming the title from Aylesbury which won last year. According to an annual poll, the people of Peterborough have voted that their city is the worst in the UK.
Mirror reporter Danni Scott visited the often overlooked city to chat to locals about what makes Peterborough so rubbish.
At first glance the city is like many popular destinations for city breaks with the sprawling town centre has a large variety of chain restaurants, most major retailers and a beautiful 12th century cathedral.
However, as you leave the centre of town the story dramatically changes as the extremities feature graffitied homes and run down shops. Even the short walk to the train station from the centre of town could leave more vulnerable citizens feeling a bit shaken up.
"Boring” was a word that surfaced a lot when speaking to locals, who pointed out the nearest cinema was out of town and transport outside of the centre was limited. While there are plenty of shops and food places, other activities are limited – although a putt putt golf course has recently opened, one resident flagged.
"There's not much to do here” said Lenka Kotlarova, although boredom wasn't the only limitation though as Lenka added she felt unsafe at night.
"It's alright, then it hits nine o'clock and it's just scary to walk past here alone, especially as a girl” said the 19-year-old, "that's just a normal daily thing”.
Her aunt Denisa Carna added: "I've lived here most of my life, I haven't got a problem [with Peterborough] - I've never had any problems. I think it depends on how people adapt to the place and adapt to not just the city but country.”
Socio-political issues were raised by multiple people, with homelessness, gang violence, and racism at the forefront of minds.
Darren Fox, who manned the Raceo'rama ride in the centre for the Christmas market, said: "Each year thousands of people have been made homeless, of which they all flock to certain areas.”
"There are things going on every year in this town but with people now selling areas, they can't put things up. For instance, the East of England Showground has been sold off for development.
"Years ago it used to hold biggest East Anglia county shows but now they won't do anything. So while they're selling things off privately, nothing has been replaced to give people what they want."
Despite believing the city had problems, Darren still loves where he lives and wouldn't move. He added: "Peterborough is as you make it, some people don't like it but then people do love it. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Peterborough currently leads the way on the I Live Here poll with 18.54 per cent of the vote, far ahead of Liverpool on 6.37 per cent and Henley-on-Thames on 5.99 per cent.
Peter Whyman believes that this is simply an inside joke for the residents - evident in the fact Darren had cheered when he was told about winning the worst place to live title.
"It gets knocked by people," Peter said. "Often what we're known for is our train station or our services, but I don't know, I think it has a charm to it that you've got to look for.
"We have our share of problems but for the most part, I've enjoyed it. The people are always friendly here we have a nice diverse community of really caring people."
The 20-year-old has lived in Peterborough all his life and added: "I certainly think that Tory austerity has done quite a number on the place."
As for the vote of worst place, Peter laughed: "It's a bit of an inside joke for the people in the city and the surrounding areas but I think for the most part it is just a joke."
Although the shopping centre was busy with many recognisable brands, the smaller arcades around had many closed or shut down independent businesses.
Helen Hardy, owner of independent fashion store Elsie & Me said: "I actually find it really frustrating that residents vote to be the worst place to live. I don't agree it's just such a shame.
"Like a lot of the big cities, there has been a lot of change in city centre but you'll get that when you go to any big city. You've obviously got an increase in homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, sadly, which is not ideal for the appearance if you like at the town centres.
"There's lots of great things here. You've got Ferry Meadows, you've got the cathedral, you've got a lido and genuinely probably some of the nicest people that you can meet, the people are very down to earth."
As a small business owner, the 48-year-old was concerned about the perception of there being nothing in Peterborough. She added: "I find it a bit frustrating, I know a lot of people locally and they will go to other towns to go shopping and I don't really get that.
"It's a bit catch 22, you go to other towns and that doesn't really support the local area." Helen also noted a decline in the number of independent shops around, which she thinks contributes to the idea that it's "not very good" in Peterborough.
Despite the unwanted title, some residents truly loved the city claiming it was "a bit harsh". Jill Myers said: "What you put into your community is what you get out of it. If you come expecting to be taken in and embraced and not give anything to it then you're not going to find out the good that's behind it."
"I absolutely love it, I've chosen to raise my children here," joked daughter Ruth Jones, "One of them is refusing to leave home so she must like it."
Ruth highlighted the variety of shows like Diversity and Heathers that are set to grace Peterborough's Key Theatre this year. She added: "It got a bad reputation in the last [few years], it's on the up now. The high streets got very drab and boring and it was all pound shops or charity shops.
"We have lost some of big names, John Lewis has gone but Marks and Spencer's moved into Queensgate [shopping centre] so that's okay. I think it just got a bad reputation."
Jill said: "We wouldn't be living here. We live here by choice. I definitely live here by choice."
Church representative Joe Oldfield said: "I think once something has been down at the bottom, it's hard for it to get back up."
He described the city as "fun" and "a bit different" although acknowledged seeing "the good, the bad, the ugly" in his line of work. Joe added: "People are a bit too picky and comparison never really helps anyone does it."
