Wolverhampton the least happy place to live? Cobblers...

First Wolverhampton was named the fifth worst city in the world – now it has been crowned the least happy place to live in the Midlands.

It ranked 100th out of 111 towns and cities across the country when it comes to happiness, in a survey carried out by property website RightMove.

But some of Wolverhampton's best-known figures today leapt to the city's defence, branding the latest survey 'a load of cobblers'.

They insisted there were plenty of reasons to be cheerful in Wolverhampton.

Record-breaking Wolves' promotion to the Championship, the planned arrival of Debenhams in the city and just the very existence of beauty spots such as West Park have been highlighted as reasons to be glad in the city.

Add to that a host of famous music and comedy names appearing at the Civic Hall, the fact V festival takes place just a short drive away and that the city is home to Banks's Brewery and there is, supporters say, much to celebrate.

Stars of the world of music and sport, including Liam Payne, Beverley Knight and gymnast Kristian Thomas, have also helped to put Wolverhampton on the map in recent years, proving it is also a hot-bed of talent.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Milkinder Jaspal said: "These surveys always come along and while it is disappointing to read things like this, I just don't understand them.

"A few months ago, the Sunday Times did a survey about towns and Wolverhampton came out really well on that.

"I think the cities are all the same anyway. Every time I go to cities and towns around the Midlands, they are all fighting the same issues.

"I think it's down to the people really. If you are a negative person you will say negative things, but everyone I meet in Wolverhampton is always very upbeat."

The Mayor added Wolverhampton has had an extra billion pounds of investment in the last 12 months, with the success of its football club and the proposed £30 million revamp of the Mander Centre only set to bring a bigger boost.

"There are a lot of positive things about Wolverhampton," said Councillor Jaspal.

"Last year, we had £1.2 billion of investment and this year we have had £2.2 billion of investment. On the social side of things, most of the people I meet are proud of their background and say to me they wouldn't move anywhere else."

Former England cricket captain and vice president of Wolves, who lives in Wolverhampton, said of the survey: "What a load of cobblers.

"I probably wouldn't have lived here all my life if it was that bad. Happiness is what you make out of life, wherever you are. If there is something that is making you unhappy then you can always change it."

But the news was not too cheery for other towns in the Black Country either.

Dudley ranked 67th out of 111 towns and cities – eighth happiest in the Midlands – while Walsall was 71st overall, or seventh in the Midlands.

Harrogate topped the overall rankings, while Telford was named as the happiest place to live in the Midlands.

But the survey has divided opinion among readers of the Express & Star, with some declaring their love for Wolverhampton and others agreeing that it could be more cheerful.

Reader Nicola Sephton took to the Express & Star's Facebook page to list all the things she loves about Wolverhampton.

"I love WWFC, Molineux, the Man on the 'Oss, Art Gallery, St Peter's Bantock, Grand Theatre, Civic Hall, the way the spake!, the history (Sunbeam, AJS etc), the people........to name a few things!"

Mattmbr took to the Express & Star website to say: "Only shock is we didn't come bottom."

And one reader named as Danimal said: "I know there are worse places in the UK.

"The town is dying, can't think of the last time I say 'let's go into town'."