Manchester's big life expectancy disparity

Residents live five years longer on average in Chorlton than in Longsight

- MAISIE LAWTON

GREATER Manchester has a shocking disparity in life expectancy, with children born in some areas predicted to live 10 years longer than in others, figures reveal.

In Longsight - an inner-city area with one of the lowest life expectancies in Manchester - John Hoover points to the line of take-out shops and bookies. "There are more takeaways than foodbanks, and more betting places than essential shops," he says.

"In an area already struggling with deprivation these places act as a gateway to a downward lifestyle," the long-time trader told the Manchester Evening News. "Longsight has needed to change for a very long time."

The new research from Health Equals revealed a five-year gap in South Manchester where the lowest life expectancy is in M13 (a calculated aggregate of both males and females) where people will live to be 77 years old on average. This is 13 years less than the highest average of 90 years and four years less than the national average of 81 years.

The M13 area includes Longsight, Ardwick, and Chorlton-on-Medlock.

John doesn't find the data surprising in this postcode lottery. Having traded on Longsight Market for 49 years, he's seen this corner of Manchester's health and well-being decline.

Every time a shop opens it turns into a takeout with deep fat fried food and that diet will contribute to statistics," he said. "Quick food has become a trend."

Barbara Burns, 62, said: "Takeaways are convenient, especially with fresh food and energy bills rising. A carry-out will work out for the same price but they don't have to cook. People don't eat and live well in poverty-stricken areas.

"You can taste the grease in the air," she added. "It's a main contributor to heart disease and other health complications."