Dorset Towns get First Place

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First Place for Dorset Towns

Low crime rate, affordable housing and good health services are just some of the reasons why the people of Dorset are satisfied with where they live.

Results from a national government study of all local councils showed the county had the highest satisfaction rate of all county-council run areas - 89%.

The Place Survey questioned residents on the performance of the council, police, fire and health services and the results will be used to make improvments to the areas found lacking.

Local councils also faired well with Christchurch named as the best value for money of all district councils in the South West and the town's residents being the most satisfied in Dorset.

Nationally, Christchurch is rated 14th out of 201 district councils for satisfaction with services and fourth highest in the South West.

Chrsitchurch Borough Council chief executive, Michael Turvey said it was "very encouraging"  that the majority of residents thought the council was doing a good job. He went on to say that "Of course it's a concern that there are still a lot of people who think we could do better." The areas which people think are most in need of improvement - the level of traffic congestion, activities for teenagers, road and pavement repairs, public transport and affordable decent housing - are all areas which are included in the council's priorities for Christchurch and which we aim to tackle as far as we are able." 

In Bournemouth the residents are partularly impressed with the borough's recycling, libraries and parks and open spaces.

Results of the same survey showed 87% of those in Poole were satisfied with the town as a place to live.

The survey will help all the councils concerned improve life for local people.