Epsom is a great place to live, according to people who responded to a survey.

They like the area, the parks and open spaces and take pride in their community.

They also think public services are generally working well.

The Place survey was carried out in the autumn last year and the results showed that 86 per cent of people who responded were satisfied with the area, one of the top three scores in Surrey (the national average was 80 per cent).

Residents are very satisfied with the parks and open spaces (87 per cent versus 69 per cent nationally) and the vast majority (91 per cent) are satisfied with their home as a place to live.

For the over 65s specifically, 89 per cent are satisfied with both their home and their neighbourhood.

Councillor Keith Mann, chairman, strategy and resources, said: “The place survey provides a barometer of how our residents feel about the borough Council, as well as the environment they work and live in.

“It is no surprise that people love living in Epsom, and it is very encouraging that satisfaction is high for the borough Council’s services and many residents consider we provide good value for money.

“Only 45 per cent are satisfied with Surrey County Council and I see the challenge ahead is to improve our partnership working, supporting them in providing improved services to our residents.”

In other responses, partnership working is seen to be positive.

Around three quarters of residents believe that local public services, including councils, police, fire services and medical practitioners treat people fairly and that they are working together to make the area safer, cleaner and greener.

Even the rubbish collection is a winner, with 83 per cent of residents satisfied with the service, the second highest score in Surrey.

Councillor Jean Smith, chairman of the Council’s environment committee, said: “It is important for the Council to hear where services are performing well and where we might need to direct resources to improve the services received.”

The Place survey is a statutory national survey held every two years and it replaces the best value general survey.

A random sample of residents were asked a number of questions about their local area and the services provided by public bodies including Epsom and Ewell Council, Surrey County Council, Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the NHS.

The next Place survey will be held in autumn 2010.