Luton, England has a population of approximately 240,000 people. Prior to the 1990's, it was part of Bedfordshire. Since then, it changed to an independent unitary, but in terms of ceremonies, it is still included as a formality. Luton had once been an important city with the hat-making industries. While Luton was also important in the car production industrial, the plant closed in 2002. Of tourist interest, Luton was voted the Crappiest Towns in the United Kingdom. It won due to its ugly architecture, chain stores, and "lack of heart." Instead of suffering from that title, Luton has enjoyed (and profited) by the honored bestowed to it.