RESIDENTS’ and businesses’ satisfaction with Stroud as a place to live and work remain high, according to independently-conducted research.

When 500 residents in the Stroud District Council area were asked, 90% of them said they are satisfied with their local area as a place to live.

96% of businesses were also satisfied with their local areas as a place to do business, according to the results of the annual budget consultation survey.

Both remain well above the national average calculated by the Local Government Association, as do the other main key indicators.

Of residents surveyed:

• 76% are satisfied with the way SDC runs things

• 73% agree that services have been maintained to a good standard

• 72% are satisfied that SDC is working to improve the environment

• 67% agree that they get value for money from SDC

• 60% agree that SDC is businesslike and efficient

Of businesses surveyed:

• 76% are satisfied that SDC is working to improve the environment

• 70% agree that services have been maintained to a good standard

• 65% are satisfied with the way SDC runs things

• 62% agree that they get value for money from SDC

• 58% agree that SDC is businesslike and efficient

The council commissioned Future Focus Research to conduct the survey of local residents and businesses as part of the annual budget consultation process.

The survey conducted during the Autumn examined their views on SDC spending priorities, local priorities, suggestions for future strategies, and satisfaction levels with the council’s activities.

The research consisted of 500 ten minute telephone interviews with local residents and 200 ten minute telephone interviews with local businesses.

Council leader Doina Cornell said: “I value this annual feedback from residents and businesses and it is good to see that the majority of local people think we are doing a good job, especially on the issue of the environment and keeping standards of services high.”

Green group leader Councillor Martin Whiteside added: "It is reassuring to see satisfaction levels with SDC are above the national average, but we should not be complacent.

"Do contact your district councillor if you have suggestions about how to improve any of the services we deliver."

Liberal Democrat group leader Ken Tucker said: “It is pleasing to note that we continue to receive high levels of satisfaction, from both residents and businesses.

"We are currently driving towards becoming an ‘exemplar’ council and in doing so, hopefully we will raise the standards further."