10 Collapsing Towns in the UK

What are the collapsing towns in the United Kingdom? The United Kingdom is home to some of the most picturesque towns and historic communities in the world. But behind the charm and cobblestone streets lies a harsh reality: many of these towns are crumbling under the weight of economic decay, social issues, and years of neglect. From the fading glory of once-busy seaside resorts to former industrial heartlands now hollowed out by unemployment and poverty, these towns are facing serious challenges.
This article dives into the 10 collapsing towns in the UK—places where the decline is visible not just in numbers, but in everyday life. These are towns where hope is fading, high streets are emptying, and people are quietly moving away.

Ten. Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Barrow-in-Furness, tucked away on the edge of Cumbria, was once a shining symbol of industrial success. Shipbuilding and steel once powered the local economy, with Barrow boasting the largest steelworks in the world at its peak. But those days are long gone.
Today, the town is isolated both geographically and economically. While BAE Systems still provides jobs in defence manufacturing, there’s a glaring lack of diversity in employment.

Nine. Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Grimsby was once a powerhouse in the UK’s fishing industry. In the 1950s, it had one of the largest fishing fleets in the world. Today, the docks are quiet, the trawlers are gone, and the town’s future remains uncertain.
The decline of the fishing industry hit Grimsby hard, leading to high unemployment and long-term economic depression.

Eight. Jaywick, Essex
Jaywick is regularly labelled the most deprived area in England. Originally built in the 1930s as a holiday village for Londoners, it now paints a very different picture. Makeshift homes built for seasonal stays have become permanent residences, often lacking proper insulation or plumbing.

Seven. Blackpool, Lancashire
Blackpool still draws millions of tourists every summer, thanks to its famous tower, piers, and beach. But once the tourists go home, a very different side of Blackpool comes into view. The town has one of the highest levels of deprivation in the UK, with severe problems around health, housing, and education.

Six. Hartlepool, County Durham
Hartlepool’s decline is tied closely to the fate of British industry. Shipbuilding and steel were once its lifeblood, but those industries have long since disappeared. Today, Hartlepool struggles with high levels of economic inactivity, limited job opportunities, and a crumbling retail sector.

Five. Rhyl, North Wales
Rhyl is a classic example of a once-loved seaside resort left to deteriorate. In the mid-20th century, it was a major holiday destination for families across the UK. Today, much of that charm has faded. Rhyl’s grand hotels now house low-income residents or stand boarded up, and its town centre feels eerily quiet.

Four. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Middlesbrough is often highlighted in national studies for all the wrong reasons. Once a booming centre of iron and steel production, its fall from industrial glory has left deep scars. Today, Middlesbrough has some of the UK’s worst indicators for child poverty, crime, and public health.
The town is facing a population decline, particularly among younger, skilled workers.

Three. Burnley, Lancashire
Burnley’s decline is rooted in the death of its textile industry, which once defined the town. Today, Burnley faces some of the lowest wages in the North West and suffers from significant social deprivation. Many of its terraced homes, built for mill workers, are now in poor condition, and entire streets are visibly run-down.

Two. Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Known affectionately as “The Potteries,” Stoke-on-Trent was once the centre of global ceramics production. But like so many other British towns, it has struggled to adapt in the post-industrial era. Today, Stoke grapples with high unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and a serious identity crisis.

One. Hastings, East Sussex
Hastings, perched on England’s south coast, should be thriving. It has beautiful sea views, a rich history, and easy access to London. But underneath the surface lies a town in serious crisis. Hastings has one of the highest homelessness rates in the South of England, and stark inequality divides its population.


THUMBNAIL CREDIT: Andrew Skudder/Flickr

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