Many residents in two areas of Bradford say they are living in fear, a study into loneliness reveals today.

Single people who live in Bradford Moor and Denholme cite crime, drugs and bullying as among the biggest issues they face.

The results come from two years of research into loneliness in Bradford and York by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The Foundation has been talking to residents of Bradford Moor and Denholme – as well as Carr Estate and New Earswick in York – to try to identify the causes and impacts of loneliness.

At the last count in 2007, 58,639 people lived alone in the Bradford district.

A spokesman for the Foundation said: “Local people have trained as community researchers and have directly engaged with more than 2,000 residents.

“They will present their findings, including the similarities and differences that have emerged from resident perceptions within the four communities of Bradford Moor, Denholme, Carr Estate and New Earswick.”

Part of the research targeted the issues affecting people in Bradford Moor and Denholme.

In both areas, residents say they are affected by depression, getting older or being elderly, breakdowns in family relationships, living alone and having nothing to do.

New arrivals to Denholme said they felt lonely, while others pointed to a lack of community spirit.

Lack of money, community cliques and being housebound and unable to get out also adversely affects people in Denholme.

In Bradford Moor, people are concerned about unemployment, having no friends or anyone to talk to and cultural issues and language differences.

The Foundation is holding an event at the St George’s Centre in Leeds today to release further results of the research, before looking at how the findings can be carried forward and how any solutions could be implemented.

It is taking place between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

To find out more about the project, visit jrf.org.uk.