I live in Oldham, the most deprived town in England, and this is what it's really like

The facilities available for just 50p are world class. But not many children get the chance to use it, as parents cannot afford even the 50p fee

So, Oldham has just been named as the most deprived town in England.

Does that come as a surprise to someone living there? Well, no. Oldham already has one of the lowest average wages in the UK, the lowest in Greater Manchester for the last 11 years.

But does this report show on the streets of Oldham?

If you are in the town centre, then yes and no. There is currently a £37m cinema being built, a brand new sports centre, the multiple Britain in Bloom winning display and promises of more building to come, although it is already behind schedule and lacking in outside investment.

But despite the shiny new buildings - and not forgetting the new tram line - there is still the scourge of the high street. The empty commercial properties. Some of which, such as the old Disney Store, have lain empty for almost a decade.

The once vibrant bustling market has been reduced to a car park, again with empty stores, including one which was home to the council-backed Our House, a venture that went bust after only five months.

The feel while walking through town is often one of despair. Most people walk around, heads down, doing what they need to do before going back to their homes, their little Edens in this gloomy town.

Outside the bars and clubs, people gather to drink early in the day, and by night, places like Yorkshire Street become dangerous areas to walk.

But it is further afield where the real deprivation can be seen. St Mary’s, Glodwick and many other areas are clearly lacking in care and attention. Some streets are beautiful to see, with residents teaming together to make the best of what they have. However, most are graffiti covered, fly-tipped shells of what they once were.

Areas such as Royton and Shaw have had their facilities cut, and their shopping centres are full of empty shops and rampant crime.

As for youth activities, the Mahdlo Youth Zone is celebrating its fourth year, and the facilities available for just 50p are world class. But not many children get the chance to use it, as parents cannot afford even the 50p fee.

This leaves children, and especially teens, roaming the streets, bored. Obviously, this leads to the usual anti-social behaviour associated with bored teenagers.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that many people are living hand-to-mouth here, with the food bank doing an incredible job helping people. Far too many have turned to drugs and alcohol to dull the monotonous routine of daily life.

Overall, despite the new buildings and promises of a better future, Oldhamers don’t feel very optimistic. Oldham has been near the bottom of lists like these for a long time. And not many would bet on that changing.

But there is something here that will see people through. It is the fact that no matter how many reports are made, how many lists are compiled, most Oldhamers are proud of their little town, and nobody can make them think otherwise.