Chorley ranked as Lancashire's top performer in latest social and economic study

The market town ranked highest in the county, ahead of Lancaster, the Fylde coast and the Ribble Valley.

At the other end of the spectrum, Blackpool finished last in the entire country.

On five of the six sets of indicators used in the study it ranked in the bottom 20 per cent nationally.

Business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP compared local authority areas against a total of 52 metrics in six baskets of socio-economic measures, going beyond GDP to provide a broader view of strengths and areas of opportunity.

Both Chorley and Lancaster were ranked above average for dynamism and opportunity, whilst the Fylde scored above the national average for inclusion, equality and health.

Mark Lester, Director of Business, Development and Growth at Chorley Council, said: “Chorley has a lot to offer and we’re always doing our best to ensure our services are the best they can be for businesses, residents and visitors.

“We have a scheme called Choose Chorley for Business which helps businesses set up in Chorley and its profile is continuing to grow and raise awareness.“With several exciting developments happening in the borough, such as the new digital office park, Chorley’s local economy will improve further, bringing more jobs and new companies to the area’’.

Preston ranked above national average for dynamism and opportunity, but in the bottom 20 per cent when measured against health and wellbeing.

Blackburn with Darwen performed badly on the same indicators, but did rank above the national average for community and sense of belonging.

Burnley ranks in the bottom 20 per cent nationally –-but above average for community, trust and belonging.