IMPROVING health services was the top priority for residents in a survey by Wyre Forest District Council.

More than half those questioned - 56 per cent - wanted better health services, while just under half - 46 per cent - wanted to see crime levels reduced.

Preliminary results from the survey of satisfaction with district council services, conducted by polling organisation, MORI, were reported to members of the council's executive.

The research was carried out between October and December last year and was intended to help the council in its improvement planning.

Early indications - ahead of publication of a national summary of results in the summer - showed residents were, generally, satisfied with services provided by the council.

Other issues they identified where they considered there was room for improvement were traffic congestion (42 per cent), road and pavement repairs (39 per cent) and cultural facilities (38 per cent).

When asked their opinions about what they thought made somewhere a good place to live, three-quarters - 76 per cent - wanted low crime levels. Two-thirds - 65 per cent - valued good health services.

Clean streets (49 per cent), affordable, decent housing (41 per cent) and education provision (37 per cent) were also considered important.