NEW SURVEY REAFFIRMS RESIDENTS' FEARS

10.20.04am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 23rd Jul 2009

Healthcare and law & order still key concerns for Little Sandhurst

Local Liberal Democrats recently conducted a second community survey in Little Sandhurst, home of Bracknell Forest Council leader Paul Bettison and deputy leader Dale Birch, to find out from more local residents what concerns they had about a number of national and local issues. Questionnaires were distributed to over 350 households and 131 replies were received. An analysis of the replies is attached.

68% of respondents expressed national concerns about healthcare and 67% about law and order. Fears about immigration fell from 76% to 66%, while local concerns focussed mainly on law and order (44%), council tax (42%), and healthcare (37%).

Areas of major public spending at national and local level were examined in more detail and respondents generally expressed satisfaction with both local healthcare services and the performance of local schools. An overwhelming majority (86%) wanted to see 'more bobbies on the beat' and more affordable housing (76%), while many also wanted improved community facilities (63%) and better public transport services (45%).

Commenting on the outcome of the survey, Ray Earwicker, Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bracknell, said 'not much had changed since the earlier survey in September 2007. Crime and immigration still concerned most people and few felt the Government had either under proper control. Similarly, policies on healthcare, education, housing and transport had failed to deliver many of the improvements that were needed.

The high level of support for more policing and social housing, and the abolition of tuition fees was particularly welcome since this reflected existing Lib Dem policies. The Party would also abolish the unpopular council tax but it would need to continue to work hard to persuade people of the benefits of EU membership and the alternative use of green taxes.'