FACT: Teignbridge is one of the happiest places in the country. Find out why (it’s mainly to do with bins)

Oh, the joy of South Devon – well, Teignbridge to be exact. Apparently the people who live there are among the happiest in the country, and they are especially happy with their bin collection.

The Place Survey – by local councils and the Audit Commission – looked at satisfaction with 30 aspects of 352 council areas and ‘the services provided in whole or part by their local councils’. Sounds like you’d need to be in some sort of gleeful mood just to take part.

Overall Teignbridge came 14th and was sixth in satisfaction with bin collection.

Here’s a break down of the figures, as interpreted by Teignbridge Council itself.

Community pride is thriving in Teignbridge, with 89% of respondents agreeing that they are satisfied with their local area as a place to live.

Over 70% of people feel the council keeps the area clear of litter and refuse, placing it 6th out of 352 councils on the country.

Over 82% are satisfied with doorstep recycling and their rubbish collections, with recycling satisfaction at 11th place nationally.

Just 13.4% think that anti-social behaviour is a problem, although a slightly higher number see drunken and rowdy behaviour as an issue (26%). However, Teignbridge is among the top 25% of areas in the country where residents agree that the police and other public services are successfully tackling these issues.

Nearly three-quarters of people are happy with their local parks and open spaces (73%), and about half are satisfied with sports and leisure provision (48%).

All good stuff – still it’s a pity the council has done away with its arts officer, and we’re hearing rumblings of discontent over how much the council charges for its footy pitches for youth community teams. Maybe they’re reasons why it didn’t get in the top 10.

A full report on the results of the Place Survey will be taken to Teignbridge Council’s Executive meeting on 13 July.

posted by Cptn

(image: Forde Hall, Teignbridge District Council)

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