Brum wins title of Britain's rudest city

Feb 14 2007 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM and Liverpool are the two rudest cities in Britain - according to a survey published today.

Brummies were found to be the least likely in the UK to give up their bus seat for a pregnant woman or elderly person, or to open a door for a women or turn up on time.

People from the Second City and Liverpudlians came top of the rudeness poll commissioned by supermarket chain Somerfield.

In Glasgow, 99 per cent say they always offer their bus seat to a pregnant woman or OAP, compared with 88 per cent of Scousers and 90 per cent of Brummies.

The survey findings brought a mixed reaction when the Mail took to the city streets.

Housewife Peggy Jeffs, aged 58, from Castle Vale, said: "I have lived in Birmingham all my life and I have seen people give up seats for elderly people.

"I also know people from Liverpool and they are OK."

Interpreter Teresa Ajotshi, aged 27, from Nechells, said: "Birmingham is quite a rude city. When I am on the bus, even pregnant women do not get offered a seat and I find older people seem to be ruder than younger people."

Great Barr OAP Diane Dawes said: "I used to have a job on the buses which transported disabled people. People were quite rude and it is a bit of a shame. It doesn't hurt to give a smile."

Surveyor Matt Ball, aged 22, from Walsall, said: "I do not see many people giving up their seats on buses.

"It's the same in any city. I think all cities are pretty much the same and we have got rude and nice people."

Street cleaner Stephen Underhill, aged 50, from Selly Oak, said: "I know people are rude in the city but I think it is more or less the same everywhere you go.

"It is down to living in big cities. People don't know each other and sometimes ignorance is perceived as rudeness."

UCE student Emma Shipley, aged 20, from Selly Oak, said: "I am from London and Birmingham is quite good in comparison.

"When I am driving people are more courteous and people don't push you while you're walking in the street."

Birmingham University student Jigna Patel, aged 20, said: "Londoners really are friendly. They are more likely to stop and help you when you need it and they will make sure you're OK.

"People in Birmingham barge past you."