Levels of child poverty in over ward are the highest in east Cheshire and it is described as one of the 'most deprived wards' in the area.

In contrast, 92% of the former south ward residents are affluent professionals.

The remaining 8% are better-off young families.

On Monday, Guy Hayhurst, a public health consultant, said the statistics showed a clear divide.

"It does suggest a difference in social and economic terms, but we are only putting into figures what people have known for a while," he said.

The survey was conducted by a group trying to improve the health of residents in east Cheshire.

They hope the information will show how they can raise standards of public health in each area.

"Ill health might be due to lifestyles or the economic state of the population and we are trying to find that out," said Mr Hayhurst.

The study showed that, compared to south ward, nearly double the number of residents in the Longridge and Shaw Heath area needed emergency hospital treatment a year.

"There is strange immeasurable poverty that you are not aware of unless it affects you or someone you know," said over ward Clr Wilson Hamman.

On Monday, Clr Jennifer Holbrook, who represents Norbury Booths which was formerly south ward, said she had not seen the report.

But she added: "Ill health can be concealed and there are a lot of people in my road who have been ill, but don't live in over ward.

"I can name a dozen people within a stone's throw of here who are ill. Money does not necessarily mean good health."