PEOPLE living in Worcester consider it one of the safest cities in the country, according to a new survey.

People were asked to rank where they live based on crime levels and “perceived level of safety” – and have given the Faithful City the thumbs-up.

Only Exeter, York, Plymouth, Norwich, Bournemouth and Swansea were deemed to be safer places to live by their own residents.

The survey, hosted by Rightmove, asked 25,000 people across the country to rank their nearest city.

Respondents were asked questions on fear of crime and perceived safety levels as well as ratings for shopping, parks and the outdoors, architecture and character. Cities which clocked up less than 100 responses were then knocked off the list in order for the top 10 to be compiled.

Chief inspector Jerry Reakes-Williams, of West Mercia Police, said: “We are delighted to hear that people in Worcester feel this is a safe place to live and we will continue to work hard to do what we can to help keep the city that way.”

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “It’s always been clear to me that this is an issue the public really care s about. Worcester should sell itself more as a place where residents do feel relatively safe, as I believe it’s something people do look at when they are deciding where to live. It’s also one of the things we can use to market the city as a place to do business.” The latest data, which was compiled for September, shows how crime levels in Worcester average less than five per 1,000 of the population, the lowest rate since February.

Crime for 2012 is on course to be lower than the previous two years in Worcester.

Rightmove say Oxford, Ipswich and Swindon made up the rest of the top 10.

It comes as a major new survey was launched to ask people across Worcestershire what they think of the county. The Viewpoint Survey, which is compiled twice yearly, has just launched its latest questionnaire, which runs until November 30.

It is a joint project between all the councils in the county, the NHS and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. The survey is fed back to bosses across the public sector and asks questions on issues like roads, health services, the economy and learning disabilities.

People who take part can enter a prize draw with the chance of winning £50 of High Street gift vouchers or an adult learning short course of your choice, worth up to £150.

To have your say you need to sign up as a panel member, which is free. Log on to worcestershire.gov.uk and search for ‘viewpoint’ to register, or contact your district council for details.