CITY council chiefs and environmental experts have come together for the first time to discuss people's vision for the future of Worcester.

Cheaper bus fares, less traffic congestion and cleaner public transport were just some of the opinions expressed in the questionnaires the Worcester Alliance received back from hundreds of residents.

The questionnaire asked people what they wanted to see more, and less of in Worcester in 10 years' time.

People were also quizzed about what they would miss most about the city if they moved away and asked to name three factors most important to their quality of life.

Better transport arrangements came out top of the list from the 555 people who responded to the survey.

The feedback from the questionnaires was discussed for the first time at a Worcester Alliance meeting on Wednesday at The Green Centre, in Dines Green.

Stuart McNidder, director of development services at Worcester City Council, said affordable public transport was one of the main issues aired by respondents.

"Cost was the single most serious observation, also cleanliness was of concern for certain public transport," he said.

"Some people thought public transport was the last resort, that's a big issue for us to address."

Mr McNidder said he received 150 comments about traffic congestion, many suggesting banning cars from the city centre.

He said transport issues were a joint district, city and county council decision and perhaps the way forward was to establish a closer relationship between the three authorities.

Litter came top of the survey for the one thing people would like to see less of in 10 years' time in Worcester.

Mark Driscoll, head of planning and economical development for the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust, said those consulted wanted more litter bins.

"Fewer discarded syringes was a large concern to a great number of people and less dog mess, " he said.

"For 80 per cent of the respondents, less litter in parks was the main issue."

A clean and healthy environment was voted top in the quality of life section in the questionnaire.

Friends, family and community came out top for the main thing people would miss if they moved away from Worcester.

The issues highlighted form part of a community strategy plan, a draft of which should be published next month.

Worcester Alliance is made up of key people from the city and county councils, the health service, business, police, probation, Racial Equality Council, local trade unions and the voluntary sector.

The community strategy plan will be discussed by Worcester Alliance and the Executive Board before it becomes a reality.