People in Shropshire get on so well with each other that the county is in the top five per cent of “feel-good” places in England, claims a new report today.

The local government watchdog, the Audit Commission, carried out an assessment of public services in the Shropshire Council area. Its main findings include the quality and popularity of Shropshire’s libraries.

It also found that Shropshire’s streets are among the cleanest and that people’s satisfaction with overall cleanliness is higher than the national average.

There is less crime in Shropshire than in most other parts of the country and crime has fallen in recent years.

Alcohol-related crime in some town centres is still an issue, but the police and other agencies are working well to tackle it.

Shropshire is in the top five per cent of areas where people from different backgrounds feel they get on well.

Instead of star ratings, the commission in its new Oneplace Comprehensive Area Assessment gives “red flags” in certain categories if urgent action needs to be taken. Shropshire has no red flags.

The assessment focuses on how local public services such as councils, the police and health services work together to improve the quality of life of residents.

It has replaced the Comprehensive Performance Assessment.

Robin Thompson, chairman of the Shropshire Partnership, which brings together public services and other organisations, said: “It is important that people feel confident in the work being done by local public services who are responsible for spending public money.

“This assessment shows that Shropshire is well above the national average.

“It highlights areas where we can be proud of our achievements, as well as showing us where we can improve.”

Shropshire Council leader, Keith Barrow, said: “This report makes very good reading for everyone living in Shropshire.

“It shows that public services are doing a good job and that the county is a great place to live.

“However, there are always things we can improve on, and the new council will take the lead in ensuring that all public services become ever more efficient and effective in these tough economic times,” he added.

Ratings for Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council can be accessed at www.direct.gov.uk/oneplace

By Dave Morris

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