Merton Council is asking residents for their views, opinions and concerns in its Annual Residents’ Survey which runs from 19 September to 16 October.

Undertaken by an independent research company, the survey is based on 15 minute face-to-face interviews with more than 1,000 local people and over 200 young people aged 11-17. The Annual Residents’ Survey focuses on all council services from street cleaning to crime, and the overall perception of the council.

Last year, residents said they felt generally more satisfied with the services on offer from Merton Council. In the 2010 survey crime was still the top concern for residents followed by the level of council tax, traffic congestion and litter.

Following these findings, the council has taken action to tackle littering, issuing 437 Fixed Penalty Notices in 2010/11. Over 20 road-shows were held in areas across the borough to highlight the problems caused by litter, flytipping and dog-fouling. The number of litter bins in the borough has been increased to over 700 including dual litter and recycling bins.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for performance and implementation, Councillor Mark Betteridge said: ‘The Annual Residents’ Survey offers the chance for people in Merton to have their say and influence priorities for the next year. The results allow us to gauge our residents’ views and in turn help us to improve our services.’

Results will be available later in the year and data from previous years can be found at http://www.merton.gov.uk/residentssurvey.

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Press Contact:

Leoni Munslow

Communications Assistant

London Borough of Merton

020 8545 4654