Residents' survey helps council plan for the future

More than 2,000 Royal Borough residents are being asked for their views about the council and local services - and where they think improvements are needed.

The annual residents' survey is now underway and those who receive the postal questionnaire can have their say about services as wide ranging as waste and recycling collections, libraries, highway maintenance, traffic management and education.

Cllr David Burbage, council leader, urged everyone who has received a questionnaire to take part.

He said: "It is absolutely essential for the council to get first hand views from the people who use our services so we can ensure we are getting things right - and make them better where our residents tell us there is need for improvement.

"Over the years the survey responses have resulted in improvements in many areas of our work, for example carrying out more road and pavement repairs, increasing support for public transport, working to tackle areas of traffic congestion and providing more activities for teenagers.

"That's why it is so important for residents to tell us what they think. Responding to the survey really does make a difference."

Cllr Christine Bateson, cabinet member for planning and partnerships, added: "The people who use our services on a daily basis are best placed to tell us what we are doing right, where we can make improvements and suggest new directions to better reflect changes in our communities.

"Our message is: We really need your views so please fill in the questionnaire. It takes only 15 minutes or so but this investment of your time will benefit everyone in the community through continually improving services."

The survey - conducted on the council's behalf by independent market research company BMG - has been circulated to 2,000 randomly-selected residents. The closing date is Friday 27 January, after which all the responses will be analysed and the information used by the council to help plan for the future of local services.

How do you rate this information/service?