The most nominated street outside London, this newly pedestrianised shopping street is said by voters to be 'a disgrace', 'an example of small mindedness, inefficiency and ineptitude', 'filthy dirty', 'smelly' and 'an embarrassment'.

The main problem seems to be the broken up pavement ('about as smooth as the Sea of Tranquility') and the fact that the pedestrianisation includes a central vehicle access route which dominates the street. Another problem is rubbish, particularly chewing gum and fast food wrappers and the lack of planting or landscaping which might soften the lines of the street. To sum up in the words of one voter, ‘this street is a disaster area.

WORST STREETS IN THE UK:
1. Streatham High Road, Streatham
2. Cornmarket Street, Oxford
3. Drakes Circus, Plymouth
4. Maid Marion Way, Nottingham
5. Leatherhead High Street, Surrey

BEST STREETS IN THE UK:
1. Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
2. High Pavement, Nottingham
3. Buchanan Street, Glasgow
4. New Street, Birmingham
5. Water Street / Castle Street, Liverpool