Work and Money

Channel 4 property show Location, Location, Location analysed criteria including crime, education services and the environment to draw up its listings of the twenty worst places to live in the UK.

Newham emerged third worst, with Hackney twelfth and Barking and Dagenham fourteenth. Tower Hamlets, which was the second worst in 2006, managed to escape the rankings altogether.

Many residents we spoke to agreed that the fear of crime in east London is relatively high. They also mentioned the problem of litter and lack of green spaces.

To see what people in Barking and Dagenham and Newham think, click on the video link above.

Students protesting outside Channel 4

Singing in disagreement

Children from Tollgate Primary School in Plaistow and Gallions Primary School in Beckton went to the Channel 4 headquarters in central London to protest against the findings.

They sang the Newham Song, which includes the lyrics: "Newham is the place to be, There’s lots to do and lots to see, Every type of people live in Newham, Our citizens are from all around the world, We all live in harmony, like one big family."

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said: "Newham is a vibrant, exciting and happening place and these youngsters all agree with that.

"Like any inner city borough, we will have problems, but it’s the way we tackle these issues, through partnership working among the council, police, health, education, voluntary sector and community involvement."

angela.saini@bbc.co.uk