The latest "Citizens Panel" survey results have just been announced. 1385 questionnaires were sent out asking residents if they had noticed any improvements resulting from the Council's work over the last 3 years. Over 700 replies were received which means over half of the panel responded which is a very high response rate.
The results are extremely positive with over 60% of residents saying that they were satisfied with the town as a place to live, work and enjoy a high quality of life. This compares with a figure of under 46% just three years ago.
Residents were quizzed on nearly 30 initiatives that the Council has undertaken. In virtually every case almost all the residents had been aware of the action taken by the Council and had noticed the changes. And again in nearly every case an overwhelming majority of residents thought the initiatives had improved the town.
For example over 90% of residents were aware of the action taken to improve the derelict and eyesore properties and over 88% thought it made the town a better place to live. Some 94% of residents thought that the action to remove abandoned and untaxed vehicles from the street made the town a better place.
Councillor Jeremy Birch, Leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: "This is an excellent result for us. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part.
"I am obviously very pleased indeed that such a high proportion of the residents are satisfied with the town. And of course, I personally am very pleased that the many initiatives we have taken over recent years to improve the town have been recognised and acknowledged.
"But we are not complacent. There are still areas where we can make further improvements, and we will now particularly focus on these.
"The fact that so many are so positive is a great starting point for the regeneration of Hastings. The New Dawn really is arriving now. With our partners we can all work together to ensure that everyone sees Hastings and St Leonards as a great place to live, work and visit."
The summary of results is available on the Council's website www.hastings.gov.uk.
Back to top of page...
< Racial Incidents Reporting | Foil Car Tax Thieves >
This page last updated: 01/10/2003