A QUARTER of Malvern companies who responded to a council survey are concerned their businesses could be a target for crime and vandalism.

For the third year running, Malvern Hills District Council has carried out a business survey to gauge how local firms are faring and what positive action the council could take to improve situations.

More than 2,100 questionnaires were sent to businesses in the district and the council received 331 replies.

Three quarters of those felt that the quality of the local environment was the greatest benefit to them. But they said the biggest threat was the poor transport networks.

Commenting on the results, Sharon Gray, head of the economic development and tourism unit, said although the local economy is strong and things are looking bright for businesses, they cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

"For example, the low unemployment rate has caused 28 per cent of businesses to inform us that they are experiencing hard to fill vacancies," she said.

Other findings show that nearly one-in-four businesses believe there are skill shortages in their companies, the most common being engineering and information and communications technology.

The most common objectives which businesses feel the district council needs to pursue include filling empty shops, providing car parks and improving public transport.

Adrian Field, assistant economic and development officer, said the results of this survey would be used in future strategy documents.

"For example, last year businesses requested an accommodation guide and that was set up," he said.

"The concerns over the crime levels will be addressed by Jenny Lawrence, the crime and safety officer, when she compiles her strategy documents."

Mr Field said that they are also looking at ways of addressing Malvern's empty shop problem.

"Next year we're planning to meet up with estate agents, look at ways of attracting investment and ways of helping to fill empty shops and boost the local economy," he said.

The winner of the annual business survey's prize draw was Jean Grogan from Just Jean in Upton.

She won a meal for two at the Cottage in the Wood hotel and restaurant in Malvern.