A survey has revealed a rise in people’s satisfaction with the performance of St Albans District Council.

More than seven out of ten people, 71 per cent, said they were satisfied with “the way the council runs things” in the 2015 poll.

The figure is up on 2012’s 70 per cent and considerably higher than 2010/11, 54 per cent, and 2008/09, 42 per cent.

A growing number of residents, 46 per cent, also say the council is providing value for money. That compares to 42 per cent in 2012, 37 per cent in 2010/11 and 29 per cent in 2008/09.

Nine out of ten people, 90 per cent, say they are satisfied with the St Albans district as a place to live with 75 per cent saying they felt they belonged to the area.

And 88 per cent agree that people from different backgrounds get on well together in the district. For non-white residents, the figure is 95 per cent.

The council carries out a community survey every two or three years to assess residents’ views on its services and in the district in general.

Last year’s poll was undertaken by independent firm Opinion Research Services which got 1,314 responses to surveys sent to 4,000 randomly-selected households.

The results help shape council policies and the development of services.

Details of the findings are to be given at the council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday, February 23.

Cllr Julian Daly, leader of St Albans District Council, said: “I am delighted that satisfaction with the council’s overall performance is growing.

“Residents are saying our services are generally doing well, our record on community safety is excellent and we are keeping them well informed on the big issues.

“Our priority projects over the next year include the new museum and art gallery project and major investment to enhance our customer services.

“We have revamped our car parking services and there is continued investment in our planning service.

“We have more affordable housing schemes on track and we are looking to make more improvements to leisure facilities in Harpenden and at the Westminster Lodge running track.

“The survey is a valuable exercise for us as it tells us what we are doing right and also highlights the areas where we can raise our game. It helps us make better-informed decisions and policies.”

To view the report on the community survey visit the St Albans District Council website.