Thousands of people in South Derbyshire are going to be asked what it’s like to live in the District and what they think about the place where they live.

Questionnaires are being posted out from Monday 29 September, 2008 to find out what local people think about issues such as community safety and local decision-making.

This new government Place Survey will be sent to 4,000 randomly selected households in the District by South Derbyshire District Council on behalf of the South Derbyshire Local Strategic Partnership. At the same time Derbyshire County Council is sending out 5,000 of these questionnaires across the whole county on behalf of the Derbyshire Partnership Forum. Efforts have been made to make sure that no homes receive two questionnaires.

Anyone over 18 living in a household can answer the questions, which should take only about 15 minutes to complete. There’s a pre-paid envelope so it costs nothing to send it back.

Cllr Heather Wheeler is Leader of South Derbyshire and also Chairman of the South Derbyshire Local Strategic Partnership, which brings together public, private, voluntary and community sector organisations to work to improve the quality of life for the people of South Derbyshire.

Cllr Heather Wheeler says, “We are committed to consulting local people, listening and acting on their ideas to shape our services. This national Place Survey set up by the Government gives us an extra opportunity to find out what local people think on a wide range of issues. Every council in the country will be carrying out a place survey, and this means that we can compare the results with other councils”

“By spending just 15 minutes to complete the questionnaire, you can make your voice heard. Results from the completed questionnaires will be available in Spring 2009. The responses will help the Council and the South Derbyshire Local Strategic Partnership to identify priorities areas for action for the District.”

If you would like to find out more about South Derbyshire District Council and its services, please visit www.south-derbyshire.gov.uk/annualreport.

If you would like more information about the Place Survey, please contact Sasha Ryan, South Derbyshire’s Consultation Policy Officer on 01283 595726 or by emailing yourviews@south-derbys.gov.uk