Mark Oaten Announces Results of 2009 Residents' Survey

Mark Oaten has announced the results of this year’s Winchester Residents’ Survey showing that public services and infrastructure are still top of the local agenda.

The Residents’ Survey was carried out over the summer and covered a wide range of topics. The response rate was incredibly high with several thousand local residents getting in touch from all over Winchester and the Meon Valley.

The survey results, which will be used to help Mark with his work in both the constituency and Westminster, highlight several key local issues. Residents were clearly concerned about public transport, with nearly three quarters of residents wanting increased bus routes and greater frequency of bus services and 50% of residents saying that they would use public transport more if only it were cheaper.

Waste collection and recycling were also highlighted as areas where more work is needed with 40% of residents feeling that more collections of recycling would encourage them to recycle more. Given the chance to make comments, many constituents called for more youth services to tackle anti-social behaviour and nearly half of residents called for better enforcement of the drink age limit.

To begin tackling the concerns raised by residents via the survey, Mark has already written to the Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council and Hampshire Constabulary, providing the relevant figures and analysis to help them with their work

The winner of the Residents’ Survey prize draw was Mrs Anthea Marr of Sutton Scotney who won a private tour of Parliament and a meeting with Mark afterwards.

Mark Oaten commented:

“Though I am stepping down at the next election, I am going to address as many of the issues raised by residents as I can. The response rate was phenomenal and I’m really grateful so many people took the time to answer the questions.

“Exercises like this are invaluable for keeping me informed of what really matters to my constituents and I hope that the results of this survey, which represents the views of thousands of residents in the constituency, will continue to be useful even after I have stepped down.

Full Survey Breakdown:

Roughly, what percentage of your household waste do you think you re-use or recycle?

0-25%: 10%

26-50%: 45%

51-75%: 32%

76-100%: 13%

If Local Authorities are to encourage a higher level of recycling, which of these options would you support?

Credits/rebates for lower levels of general household waste: 33%

More collections of recyclables than of general refuse: 39 %

Stronger Policing and higher fines for fly-tipping: 52%

Investing/creating more markets for recycled products: 50%

What do you feel would encourage greater use of public transport?

Do not build any more car parks: 10%

Charge higher rates at car parks: 5%

Improve rail network to London: 21%

More bus routes and frequency: 72%

Lower bus and train fares: 50%

When were you last able to see a dentist?

In the last year: 78%

Within 2 years: 7%

Over 2 years: 6%

D/K: 9%

Has any of the below been in touch to offer you advice or support in reducing your fuel bills?

Your energy company: 32%

Local council: 11%

Government: 25%

Regarding the current economic climate, what of the options below most worry you?

Higher future taxes: 33%

Protection of savings: 28%

Higher prices of goods: 52%

Job losses: 46%

Do you believe banks should only pay out bonuses to staff when they post profits?

Yes: 74%

No: 17%

D/K: 9%

Are there the some areas of your community that you do not feel safe walking in?

Yes: 75%

No: 13%

D/K: 12%

What would make you feel safer on the streets?

More police on the beat: 62%

More CCTV cameras: 6%

Harsher punishments for antisocial behaviour: 58%

Better street lighting: 19%

Better enforcement of drink age limits: 44%

Are you finding it harder to get to a post office when you need it?

Yes: 22%

No: 78%

Are you concerned about the decline of the British pub?

Yes: 48%

No: 22%

Indifferent: 30%

Do you eat free range chicken?

Yes: 73%

No: 27%