THE largest survey of people in the West Midlands region since the 2001 census will start this week - and Worcestershire residents are being urged to take part.

The West Midlands Regional Lifestyle Survey will ask about important topics including health, education, quality of life and community safety.

It promises to be the largest and most comprehensive survey of its type ever undertaken in the region.

The information provided by the survey will be used by other organisations including primary care health trusts, local authorities and other regional organisations to improve and use services more effectively.

Questionnaire

A postal questionnaire will be sent to 170,000 randomly selected individuals aged 18 and over living.

Rashmi Shukla, regional director of public health, said: "We know the quality and kinds of health services provided across the West Midlands are not always what you need.

Councillor David S Smith, chairman of the West Midlands Local Government Association, added: "Local councils need to have the best possible understanding of the views of local people so that they can deliver the best and most appropriate services for them.

"Local councils will rely on the results of this survey when planning their services, and deciding on their policies for the future."