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

  • More residents than the City average were satisfied with the changes that have taken place in their local area in the last two years (53% compared to 48%). 
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that the following anti-social behaviour issue was a problem in their local area:
    • Rubbish and litter lying around (48% compared to 52%). 
  • More residents than the City average were satisfied with the following service:
    • Doorstep recycling (65% compared to 59%)

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 (56% compared to 65%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average were satisfied with the opportunities for participation in local decision-making (31% compared to 37%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that they could influence decisions made locally (31% compared to 36%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that they felt safe when outside in their local area after dark (33% compared to 41%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that they felt safe when outside in Newcastle city centre after dark (26% compared to 32%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that the Council takes some account of residents’ views when making decisions (59% compared to 68%).
  • More ward residents than the City average agreed that the following anti-social behaviour issues were a problem in their local area:
    • Parents not taking responsibility for the behaviour of their children (75% compared to 66%).
    • People using or dealing drugs (62% compared to 51%)
  • Fewer residents than the City average were satisfied with the following service:
    • Libraries (60% compared to 65%).
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

74%75%

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

53%48%

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

56%65%

Satisfied with opportunities for participation in local decision making

31%37%

Agree can influence decisions locally

31%36%

Feel safe when outside in local area after dark

33%41%

Feel safe when outside in Newcastle city centre after dark

26%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

75%66%

People not treating other people with respect and consideration

62%59%

Noisy neighbours or loud parties

22%26%

Teenagers hanging around on the streets

59%55%

Vandalism, graffiti and other deliberate damage to property and vehicles

55%54%

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

22%24%

People using or dealing drugs

62%51%

Drunk or rowdy behaviour

43%46%

Rubbish and litter lying around

48%52%

Abandoned/burnt out cars

10%12%

 

The Council
Indicators  Ward
N=143
 Newcastle
N=3326

Satisfied with the way the Authority runs things 

67%64%

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

57%58%

Agree enough opportunity to influence Council policies and services

19%22%

Council takes some account of residents' views when making decisions

59%68%

 

Services
Indicators 

 Ward
N=143

 Newcastle
N=3326

Satisfied with waste collection service

89%86%

Satisfied with doorstep recycling

65%59%

Satisfied with local recycling facilities

58%54%

Satisfied with keeping land free of litter and refuse

62%61%

Satisfied with sports, leisure facilities and events

51%55%

Satisfied with libraries

60%65%

Satisfied with parks and open spaces

77%76%

Satisfied with local bus service

69%66%

Satisfied with public transport information

59%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.