Brett Ellis was born in the second most miserable place in the UK

Unhappily, I thought of this as I weaved my way back to my birth town, not-so-sunny Hastings, where the general populous seemed distinctly hacked off

Hastings has been ranked as the second most miserable place to live in the UK, according to the latest ONS index.

The East Sussex town is known for its high levels of poverty and drug dependency, which have contributed to its low ranking.

Hastings is also home to the second most miserable people in the UK, with an average life satisfaction score of 7.45 out of 10. This is lower than the UK average of 7.54.

The town has seen little investment in recent years, despite being the birthplace of former Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

Hastings is also plagued by a high rate of shoplifting, which is said to be the only growth industry in the town.

The ONS index ranks local authority areas in England, Scotland and Wales based on their residents’ responses to questions about their well-being.

The questions cover topics such as life satisfaction, happiness and anxiety.

Hastings was ranked as the most miserable place to live in the UK in 2022, but it has now slipped down to second place.

The town is still struggling with the same problems that led to its low ranking last year, including high levels of poverty and drug dependency.

Hastings is also in need of investment, and the town's only thriving business is the dole office.

Many people in Hastings are losing hope and taking drastic measures, such as packing up and leaving overnight.

If things don't improve soon, I may be tempted to pack up my sheepskin and get a one-way ticket to the Shetlands to taste some real happiness.