City health fears

One example is the ten-year difference in the life expectancy for those in Bearsden compared with neighbouring Drumchapel.

But a survey by the journal of public health has shown people here from across the class spectrum are more likely to die sooner than those living south of the border.

Deaths among the most affluent in Glasgow were at least 15 per cent higher than in both Manchester and Liverpool. This is despite almost identical levels of deprivation in all three cities.

The disparity north of the border has been attributed to the so-called Glasgow Effect arising from influences one public health expert believes "combine in a particularly toxic way".

The syndrome embraces still-unexplained factors causing higher mortality rates in Glasgow than elsewhere.

The problem spikes in the 15 to 44 age group after comparable levels of child mortality emerged within the three cities. Fatalities were 45 % greater in Glasgow in this category and 30% higher in the 45-64 age group.

Those involved with the JoPH study are at a loss to explain why there were 4,502 additional deaths in Glasgow between 2003 and 2007 despite a similar spread of poverty in the two comparable English cities.

Professor Phil Hanlon of Glasgow university — co-author of the report and an expert in public health — offered this considered explanation of what may constitute the Glasgow Effect.

He said: "The best shot is there are factors to do with the social, cultural and political history of the city —which manifest in stress and relationship, attitude and behaviour issues. These combine in a particularly toxic way".

Dr Linda de Caestecker of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde thinks there needs to be further research.

The director of public health added: "We need to find out the effect of mental health, quality of life and optimism among the people of Glasgow".

"There is no obvious reason for the difference. We need to take a positive focus and continue to look at the habits and lifestyle of children and ensure it does not have a negative effect on later life".