Information from the 2007-08 Residents' Survey

The Residents’ Survey is an annual postal survey undertaken in the autumn to seek information from Newcastle adult residents on their perceptions of council services and neighbourhood issues. The following table details key findings of the 2007/8 survey for the ward and the city as a whole. It is followed by a summary of the key perceptions of the ward’s residents about Council services and their local area.

Positive findings

  • Fewer ward residents than the City average felt that the following anti-social behaviour issues were a problem in their local area:
    • Noisy neighbours or loud parties (17% compared to 26%)
    • Drunk or rowdy behaviour (38% compared to 46%)
  • More ward residents than the City average were satisfied that the Council keeps open public land free of litter and refuse (68% compared to 61%).
  • More ward residents than the City average were satisfied with local bus services (64% compared to 55%).

Possible areas for attention

  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together (49% compared to 65%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that they could influence decisions made locally (24% compared to 36%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that they felt safe when outside in their local area after dark (36% compared to 41%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that they felt safe when outside in Newcastle city centre after dark (20% compared to 32%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that they had enough opportunity to influence Council policies and services (16% compared to 22%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that the Council took some account of residents’ views when making decisions (16% compared to 22%).
  • More ward residents felt that the following anti-social behaviour issues were a problem in their local area:
    • Teenagers hanging around on the streets (64% compared to 55%)
    • Vandalism, graffiti and other deliberate damage to property and vehicles (59% compared to 54%)
  • People using or dealing drugs (56% compared to 51%)
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average were satisfied with the following services:
    • Parks and open spaces (65% compared to 76%),
    • Public transport information (46% compared to 55%).
    • Libraries (64% compared to 75%)

Neighbourhood Issues

 Indicators

 Ward
N=143

 Newcastle
N=3326

Satisfied with local area as a place to live 

74%75%

Local area has got better/not changed much in the last year

77%75%

Satisfied with changes that have taken place in area in the last two years

47%48%

Agree local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together

49%65%

Satisfied with opportunities for participation in local decision making

37%37%

Agree can influence decisions locally

24%36%

Feel safe when outside in local area after dark

36%41%

Feel safe when outside in Newcastle city centre after dark

20%32%

Satisfied with choice of housing in local area

70%66%

 

Anti-social behaviour (% who thought it was a problem)
 Indicators Ward
N=143
Newcastle
N=3326 

Parents not taking responsibility for the behaviour of their children

69%66%

People not treating other people with respect and consideration

57%59%

Noisy neighbours or loud parties

17%26%

Teenagers hanging around on the streets

64%55%

Vandalism, graffiti and other deliberate damage to property and vehicles

59%54%

People being attacked because of their skin colour, ethnic origin or religion

22%24%

People using or dealing drugs

56%51%

Drunk or rowdy behaviour

38%46%

Rubbish and litter lying around

51%52%

Abandoned/burnt out cars

13%12%

 

The Council
Indicators  Ward
N=143
 Newcastle
N=3326

Satisfied with the way the Authority runs things 

66%64%

Council keeps residents well informed about the services and benefits it provides

57%58%

Agree enough opportunity to influence Council policies and services

16%22%

Council takes some account of residents' views when making decisions

63%68%

 

Services
Indicators  Ward
N=143
 Newcastle
N=3326

Satisfied with waste collection service

90%86%

Satisfied with doorstep recycling

60%59%

Satisfied with local recycling facilities

57%54%

Satisfied with keeping land free of litter and refuse

68%61%

Satisfied with sports, leisure facilities and events

57%55%

Satisfied with libraries

64%65%

Satisfied with parks and open spaces

65%76%

Satisfied with local bus service

64%66%

Satisfied with public transport information

46%55%

Note : Differences of less than 10 percentage points between the city average and the ward result may not be significant. Conclusions drawn on the basis of differences of less than 10 percentage points should be treated with caution.