ARE the people of Basingstoke really happy with their lot?

According to a recent survey, residents of the borough are among the grumpiest in the UK.

A total of 273 areas were included in the research - and Basingstoke and Deane was ranked at 224.

Southampton and Eastleigh, Fareham and Gosport are the only other areas of Hampshire ranked lower than Basingstoke in the research by the British Household Panel Survey for the Royal Geographical Society.

Reverend Dr Derek Overfield, the industrial chaplain for the area, said he was not surprised by Basingstoke's placing.

"Basingstoke lacks any sense of community or heart," he explained. "At the end of the day, it's people involved in relationships within the community that give a place a sense of soul."

However, Tony Curtis, chief executive of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, has defended the borough.

He said: "We want the people of Basingstoke and Deane to be prosperous, proud and positive about living and working here."

He added: "Basingstoke also has a thriving local economy with nearly 99 per cent employment. We have one of the best shopping centres in the country, fantastic cultural and leisure facilities, great heritage and wonderful countryside. I think all these benefits show that Basingstoke is a positive and thriving place to live."

In the most recent survey carried out by the borough council in 2007, 588 residents of the borough were interviewed.

A total of 88 per cent of residents reported they were satisfied with their area as a place to live in and 82 per cent of residents described their area as a safe place to live.