THE verdict is in and Evesham has missed out on the most depressing town title.

Residents across the UK's "most boring boroughs and tedious towns" had been asked to nominate their home as the most "soul-destroying" in Britain by iLiveHere.com.

Evesham had been shortlisted by its residents as one of the most depressing along with the neighbouring Cotswold town Chipping Norton.

It joined another 153 British towns and cities shortlisted but missed out on the top 20 spot.

However, some readers said they wanted Evesham to be named as the most depressing place to live.

Michelle Bircham said: "I moved to Evesham 30 years ago, it was such a lovely place to live.

"Now, I wouldn't recommend anyone to visit the town, let alone move to Evesham."

Another reader, Julia Shorey, added: "I have always defended Evesham over the years when people have been negative about it. 

"However, I am afraid I don't anymore; it is depressing."

The poll by iLiveHere.com is an annual tradition, but this year, the emphasis had changed from a poll locating the "worst place" to live in the UK to one finding the most depressing.

The Mayor of Evesham, Alan Booth, had defended his town after Evesham was shortlisted and said the rating was a "dismal attempt from people who have never been out of the town".

He said: "I don't think it is justified. It is not the most depressing town. It is far from it.

We have a booming market square with plenty of stuff to buy all year round.

"This is a dismal attempt from people who have never been out of the town - there is no need, and a lot goes on here.

"I think we have a very attractive town.

"We have our hotspots but so does every other town."

Councillor Booth has lived in Evesham for the past 44 years and agreed the town is not like it once was, but argued it is the same everywhere.