The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
South Holland has little to offer young people, according to a BBC Newsbeat study, and the elderly population is set to almost double over the next two decades.
The district scored just three out of ten in a national study that takes into account things such as going out opportunities, bus services and the numbers of young people.
South Holland scores two out of ten in the BBC surveys Youth Population category, with ten percent of people aged 16-25.
It scored zero for going out opportunities, sports facilities and bus services, with 112 journeys per day covering 1,141 square km.
The district scored higher for 4G coverage (six out of ten), thanks to 75 per cent coverage.
Rent was also good, with a score of eight out of ten and the average price of £281 per bedroom.
Employment scored seven out of ten, with 23 out of 1,000 young people claiming welfare benefits.
The only ten score was awarded for mental health targets hit.
South Holland District Council said it was pleased with the high rankings in certain categories.
Coun Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities said: “Whilst these scores will always favour more densely populated cities and towns, we are pleased that South Holland is rated similarly to neighbouring districts and scores highly on our housing, employment opportunities and mental health care for young people.
“There are some fantastic youth clubs and activities running across the district and we are working with our new leisure providers Parkwood to provide a programme of activities for young people to get involved in leisure and sport. The South Holland Centre and our community development team also both run projects and events for young people which are always excellently received, including our Activate Summer Fun days which attracted 2,077 people last year.
“We’re proud of the work we do with young people, and residents of all ages, in the district and are always keen to hear ideas and suggestions of how we can improve this further. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any thoughts.”
The top five places for young people to live were in major cities, with the top three all in London. Islington, Camden and Westminster took the top three spots, with Bristol in fourth and Cardiff fifth.
A Lincolnshire County Council Risk Register report released last week said Lincolnshire as a whole has a declining youth population, while the number of people aged 75 and above will increase by 95 per cent over the next 25 years.
The LCC report singles out Lincoln as the only place in the county with a significant amount of 20-to-60-year-olds, stating “the influence of universities and education” as the only reason.
