A small market town has been named home to Britain’s “unhealthiest high street”, according to a new nationwide assessment by the Independent Pharmacy. The study examined hundreds of high streets across the UK to determine which ones are most densely packed with businesses linked to unhealthy habits, including takeaways, pubs, sweet shops, vape stores and off-licences, while also accounting for the lack of health-oriented outlets such as gyms.

The report analysed 419 high streets of more than 700 metres in length and assigned each a “High Street Health Index” score based on the balance of healthy versus unhealthy businesses. Researchers also considered air quality, arguing that the streets people rely on daily can significantly influence long-term wellbeing.

At the top (or bottom) of the list is Stockport Road in the market town of Stockport in Greater Manchester. The analysis said it contains dozens of takeaway shops and pubs, yet only a couple of gyms.

The high street received the index’s maximum score, identifying it as the most heavily weighted towards unhealthy offerings in the country.

Close behind is London Road in Croydon, followed by several other town centres where fast-food outlets and alcohol-related shops heavily outnumber any spaces promoting fitness or healthy living.

Public health specialists warn that these environments can push communities toward poorer lifestyle choices, particularly in areas already facing higher levels of deprivation.

The Independent Pharmacy’s clinical advisers noted that the design of a high street can shape how residents eat, relax and socialise far more than many people realise.

Below is the full list of the bottom 10, according to the High Street Health Index:

1. Stockport Road, Greater Manchester

2. London Road, Croydon

3. High Street, Sutton

4. Oxford Street, Westminster

5. High Street, Bromley

6. High Street, Barnet

7. Wilmslow Road, Manchester

8. Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon

9. High Street, Brentwood

10. Edgware Road, Westminster