FIGURES show the drinking habits of people in Uttlesford are among the best in the country. In a look at how alcohol is being used by communities across the country, Uttlesford ranked in the top half of the table for all but three of 22 categories. It fel

FIGURES show the drinking habits of people in Uttlesford are among the best in the country.

In a look at how alcohol is being used by communities across the country, Uttlesford ranked in the top half of the table for all but three of 22 categories.

It fell short in the binge drinking category, which shows how many adults consume twice the daily recommended intake of alcohol in a single session. Uttlesford was ranked 200 out of 354 local authorities here.

The district was also towards the back of the table in the number of land transport deaths attributable to alcohol, where it was listed at number 252 of 354.

In line with recent findings that affluent, middle class areas are consuming large quantities of alcohol, Uttlesford was ranked 220 of 354 for hazardous drinking.

Hazardous is defined as drinking between 22 and 50 units of alcohol a week for men, and between 15 and 25 units of alcohol a week for women.

However, Uttlesford's result for 'harmful' drinking - more than 50 units a week for men, 35 for women - is much better, the authority being ranked sixth best in the country.

The district's best result was for alcohol-specific deaths in males - the number of men who died as a direct result of alcohol abuse - where the Uttlesford figure was the second lowest of the 354 authorities.

Its equivalent result for women was significantly worse, but still well above average, the authority being listed at number 100.

The breakdown of alcohol-related statistics was conducted by the North West Public Health Observatory, after being commissioned by the Government.

It showed that the worst area in the country for alcohol-related hospital admissions was Liverpool, the best Wokingham.

Alcohol-related crime was highest in Nottingham, followed by Manchester. Teesdale and East Dorset were the best in this category, with Uttlesford also at the top of the table, ranked 18 of the 354 authorities.

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