LIFE expectancy in the borough has increased over the last decade, it has been revealed.

Men and women Redbridge are now living a a combined total of five years longer, compared to figures for the year 2000 – with men reaching 79 and women 81.

However, the figures – which were released as part of an annual report into the health of the borough's residents – showed a disparity between the life expectancies in different parts of the borough.

Men living in Loxford ward have a life expectancy which is, on average, six-and-a-half years shorter than their counterparts living in Wanstead, a significantly more affluent part of the borough and one where residents can expect to live longer than anywhere else in Redbridge.

As the Guardian reported earlier this month, there has been a slight increase in communicable diseases such as TB and malaria.