Rotherham "second safest place to live" - report

Rotherham was beaten to the top spot only by York in the 'UK Family Happiness Report – the Best English Towns and Cities for Family Life' report by retailer Outdoor Toys.

Researchers analysed data from Numbeo, a quality of life metrics specialist, including perceived crime rates to judge each area’s safety index score.

York was awarded the top spot in the study with a score of 73.09 out of ten, with Rotherham just behind on 72.9.

The Cheshire town of Warrington was ranked third, with a safety index score of 68.33.

Sheffield was the only other South Yorkshire neighbour to be rated – the city’s score of 57.38 saw it take the final spot in the top ten.

At the other end of the scale, Rochdale, Coventry and Salford were deemed the un-safest cities to live.

A spokesperson for Outdoor Toys said: “Due to low levels of crime, homeowners in Rotherham are not worried about being mugged, attacked, or targeted by a hate crime.

“Paired with low average house prices of £163,500, and monthly childcare costs (£700) Rotherham is an appealing city for family life.”

Council leader Cllr Chris Read said: “Making every neighbourhood welcoming, keeping residents safe and making Rotherham a great place to live, work and raise a family are key priorities for us, so of course it is nice to hear when we’re seen to be doing better than some other places.

“We work together with our partners like the police, health, and fire services as well as voluntary groups to prevent crime and to make our neighbourhoods appealing for communities to want to live here.

“That being said, we know there are still plenty of challenges and too many residents still live with anti-social behaviour, noise nuisance and crime that lowers their standard of living.

“We continue to work together to achieve our collective ambition to ensure that all people in Rotherham are safe and feel safe as they go about their daily lives.”