Dudley ranked the worst place to exercise in the West Midlands - do residents agree?
It’s overall ranking was 284th in England.
Dudley has been ranked worst place to exercise in the West Midlands following an analysis of gyms, pools, parks and outdoor conditions across England.
Dudley finished last compared to the West Midlands' 30 areas with a score of 38.2 out of 100. It’s overall ranking was 284th in England and it is in England's bottom 50.
We visited Dudley town centre to find out if residents agree with the ranking.
Ronald Dudfield said: “You want the countryside not Dudley and country lanes. You get a lot of obstructions here with people and traffic.”
The study, by adult services provider AdultWork, scored every local authority in England on 15 measures that impact opportunities to exercise.
Graham Horton said: “I think it’s great exercise up here. You can do gardening and DIY. I don’t bother with gyms or leisure centres.”
Maria Jones said: “There aren’t any gyms around here but you can get a good walk around the town, there’s nothing stopping you doing that. I know there’s not much to come up to Dudley for but you can walk around.”
Some were more optimistic about the exercise options.
Charlotte Smith said: “There quite a few gyms and they’re quite spread out but I feel like adding a gym here by the market would be better. People are here for college anyway so a gym here would be good. If it was open to everyone then people would use it.”
Alisha Jones added: “The college has a gym built into it so people have that option.”
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