The Watford neighbourhoods which saw the biggest rise in death tolls during the pandemic have been revealed – as well as those which saw less of an impact.

The data has been published by the Office for National Statistics and shows some areas of the country were significantly more affected than others.

The Health Foundation said the virus has laid bare inequalities across England and Wales, with poor health, deprivation and stretched public services to blame for increased exposure.

In the 14 months to the end of April this year, there were 1,015 deaths registered in Watford – 147 (16.9%) more than the 868 predicted, according to the ONS figures.

Of the deaths, 237 had Covid listed as the main cause – however, many Covid-related deaths at the start of the pandemic may have been undiagnosed, the ONS warned.

The study also reveals which of the area's 12 neighbourhoods had the highest and lowest excess death rates during the pandemic.

The measurement compares the number of deaths registered during the period with how many were predicted based on previous mortality rates between 2014 and 2019.

In Watford, the neighbourhoods with the highest excess death rates were:

1) Stanborough – 81 deaths, 35 (76.1%) more deaths than expected, and including 18 with Covid listed as the main cause

2) Woodside and Leavesden Green – 109 deaths, 29 (36.3%) more deaths than expected, including 24 due to Covid.

3) North Watford – 41 deaths, 10 (32.3%) more deaths than expected , including 12 due to Covid.

The neighbourhoods with the lowest excess death rates were:

1) West Watford – 65 deaths, 11 (14.5%) fewer than expected, and including 22 with Covid listed as the main cause.

2) Oxhey – 57 deaths, seven (10.9%) fewer than expected, including 14 due to Covid.

3) Garston – 77 deaths, 12 (2.4%) more than expected, including nine due to Covid.

In its Covid-19 Impact Inquiry report, the Health Foundation said people aged under 65 living in the most deprived areas were almost four times more likely to die from the virus, compared to those in the most affluent.

It found those in poor health, cramped housing conditions and some working environments faced an increased risk of exposure.

Assistant director David Finch said: "There is extensive evidence that poor health and existing inequalities left parts of the country vulnerable to the virus and defined the contours of its devastating impact.

"Deep-rooted issues such as poor health, increased financial insecurity and strained public services left some people more exposed."

The group now wants the Government to address the harm caused by the pandemic and invest more in helping lift people out of poverty.

Across England and Wales, the ONS reported that two periods over the 14 months – March 2020 to July 2020 and September 2020 to March this year – saw the highest rates for excess deaths.

In Watford, the highest number of excess deaths came in April last year when there were 128.