The 'worst high street' in UK where locals say it's 'gone right downhill'

A Hampshire town has been labelled the home of the UK's 'worst high street' as locals say it has 'gone right downhill' – with charity shops, phone stores and noodle bars Bridget Purdy says Waterlooville's high street is 'nearly all charity shops' (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)

Waterlooville, a Hampshire market town just north of Portsmouth, has been dubbed the UK's worst high street by its own residents. The town, which was established around 1815 by returning soldiers from the Battle of Waterloo, has seen better days according to locals who now prefer to shop elsewhere. ‌

The local council has been working on a "masterplan" since 2024 to breathe new life into Waterlooville's town centre. This plan aims to pinpoint key areas for growth, future development and improvements t