'I've lived in Walsall all my life, and it's not as bad as you think': Reporter Daniel Walton gives his take on the UK's 'most deprived town'

The figures, released as part of the Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index 2025, say that Walsall is the most deprived place in the UK, as well as being ranked as the second least healthy high street, and third for having the worst job market.

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However, I think the figures don't reflect the perception of my fellow Walsallians.

The town has a long and detailed history that the figures don't reflect, and a sense of pride and belonging that can only be achieved through living in an industrial town.

While residents here believe that the town does require some improvement, they love it nonetheless. A Walsallian is always a Walsallian.

Like many who live here, I believe the most standout aspect of the town doesn't actually lie in the town centre itself, but in the communities, the regular every person who lives and works in this borough; that's what makes Walsall, Walsall.

In the report I wrote on Wednesday afternoon, Walsallians gave their opinions on what they believe about the figures, and while many agreed that the statistics were right, and the town is in need of some tender love and care.

All of the people we talked to showed a real passion for the change and the improvement of the region, and above all else, a true love of their borough.

Wasallians are accepting people by nature, pockets of communities with strong ties to each other, and an eagerness to help where they can.

If you look closely, Walsall has many aspects that help us to stand out from the crowd, from our amazing art gallery to the beautiful arboretum; our town has hidden gems that are unmatched by any region.

The aforementioned Walsall Arboretum, for example, has been the site where many generations of locals spent their youth playing on the children's playpark, walking through its trees, or skating on the skatepark.

The New Art Gallery Walsall houses many pieces of historic and thought-provoking creations, with many being created right here in the borough.

Our transport links are nearly unmatched, with direct lines to almost every region of the further West Midlands, including Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

All our canal systems are amazing, with many hiding unique and hidden walks that lead to spots of true natural beauty.

And not to mention our lovely small community villages like Aldridge, Pelsall, and Brownhills, all areas where residents welcome you with open arms and a smile.

But above all else, it is the people that make Walsall a truly unique place to live, our love for the area, our pride in our history, and our strive to be better than the day before.