A tale of two suburbs: Calton

FOR somewhere like Calton, in the north-east Glasgow Community Health Partnership (CHP), the health figures paint a picture of misery.

It has a significantly lower life expectancy for men and women than the Scottish average.

Mortality rates, coronary heart disease and cancer are all significantly higher than the Scottish average.

It is not only health that is a problem. The crime rate of 76.4 victims of crime per 1,000 population is significantly higher than the Scotland average 49.5 per 1,000 population. The death rate from alcohol conditions is significantly higher than the Scottish average and the highest reported among the Community Health Partnerships

The proportion of the population hospitalised with alcohol conditions and with drug-related conditions are also significantly higher than the Scottish average. The prevalence of diabetes is also significantly higher.

Levels of income and employment deprivation, the percentage of working age population claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, dependence on out of work benefits or child tax credit, and people claiming pension tax credits, are all significantly higher than the Scottish average.