The run-down UK town with Britain's 'most depressing high street'

The decline of the once-great British High Street can be seen up and down the UK. What were once thriving hubs filled with local and national chains, along with busy cafes and market stalls now feature little more than rows of boarded-up shops.

And nowhere is this more apparent than in the run-down Lincolnshire town of Grimsby. Freeman Street was once abuzz with activity - today there's almost no one to be seen, .

Even the street's £1 shop has shut its doors.

Lincolnshire is a region where made huge gains at last week's local elections, with Nigel Farage's party taking control of the nearby county council and winning the mayoral race for Greater Lincolnshire, which Grimsby is a part of.

There are more than 50 shops closed within a 250-metre stretch of road, , with the majority of those still opening consisting of vape shops, barbers, betting shops, and fast food outlets. One former pizza takeaway has reportedly been empty for more than 25 years.

People in the area report problems with drug users, sex workers and violence. Marie Moore, 57, said she had lived in Freeman Street all her life and had seen "massive changes".

"As a kid, we'd come here every Saturday," she said. "My grandparents took us to the pictures while our parents did the shopping. You couldn't move for stalls and friendly faces."

She added that the area is now jam-packed with vape shops, charity shops and Turkish barbers.

Local resident Ben Watson, 37, said: "If you're after fast food or a haircut, you're alright. But there's nothing else."

He added that the main street is like a "ghost high street".

He said: "There's a lot of dossers and homeless people begging for money, and needles on the floor. Outside the pubs that are open there's always trouble."

Last year it was revealed , and the town's East Marsh and Port ward had the highest rate of youth unemployment in the country.

But it's not all bad. Last year it was revealed . Matthews Chippy was offering fish and chips for just £3 - a third cheaper than the UK average price of £9.

Owner Stan Matthews, said he wanted to help people to "eat a meal at a price they can afford".

And it was also announced last year the town is to , with renovations to the waterfront, a shopping centre and a bridge.

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said a lot of work had been carried out around Grimsby's main shopping area known as 'Top Town'. This will include a leisure, food hall, and market hall, with a new cinema.

They said: "The council wishes to be clear that Freeman Street, whilst not the main shopping area for Grimsby, is an important hub of activity for the town and over the last two decades work has been done, and continues, on creating a mix of community uses," they said. "The market, which is independently owned, along the street has re-invented itself with a successful mix of stalls and food outlets attached to a well-used business hub.

"YMCA Humber is also making huge strides with its purpose-built new Grimsby headquarters and adjoining sports and activity facilities. The council continues to work in partnership with such organisations to develop this element of the street and its surrounding area.

"The authority also wishes to highlight the variety of community groups and organisations that are also working together for the good of both Freeman Street and the whole of the surrounding East Marsh community. We are confident in the years ahead that the council can continue to work with partners to carry on this present focus for Freeman Street."