Council opinion survey gets underway

Archived press release

Date Published: 16/11/09

The survey seeks residents’ views about living in the Vale

A major survey aimed at gathering Aylesbury Vale residents’ views on what they think of their local area is now underway.

The new survey, posted to 3,000 randomly selected households, is the start of Aylesbury Vale District Council’s programme of more frequent consultation with residents.

For the first time, any resident in the Vale can take part by going online to complete the survey on the council’s website: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/residentsviews

The survey seeks residents’ views and experiences about living in the area, asks about their views on AVDC’s performance, its leisure centres, housing services and how they prefer to contact the council.

It also invites residents to put their names forward to take part in further consultation by joining a new residents’ panel. The new panel will form the basis of the council’s future consultation programme, with panellists being contacted up to three times a year for their views on a variety of issues, projects and services, by postal and online surveys or small discussion groups.

“Changing the frequency of our residents’ survey from every two years to three times a year gives us the opportunity to consult more regularly with local residents as service issues arise, as well as tracking our performance more regularly,” said Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of AVDC.

“The views of local residents are a vital part of the council's work in planning to meet the needs of the local community. Not only do we care about what residents think about the services we provide, but also what it's like to live in their area. We can use this feedback to be certain we are dealing with the issues and services that matter most to residents.”

The survey and panel will be managed by an independent market research agency. Responses are totally anonymous and will not have any relevance to any contact residents may have with any service or individual within the council. No-one will call at homes in connection with this survey and if anyone does so, they should be reported to the police.

“I very much hope residents will take this opportunity to have their say. Please complete this survey as soon as possible, online at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/residentsviews or return the postal survey in the reply paid envelope by 30 November. If residents decide to join the panel, their names will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 shopping voucher,” continued Councillor Cartwright.

Should residents prefer a large print version of the questionnaire, they can call the council on 01296 585007 or for translation help on 01296 425334.