MORE affordable homes, better public transport and less traffic congestion are what people in Malvern want to see improved the most.

The findings, which will help develop future district council policy, are contained in a major survey about life in the town.

The Worcestershire Viewpoint Survey, which went out to more than 500 homes in Malvern, also suggests people are happier with life than they were one year ago.

Some 93 per cent of respondents say their neighbourhood is a nice place to live, up from 92 per cent.

And 81 per cent now say they feel safe after dark, up from 74 per cent.

When residents were asked if they thought they “belonged” to their area, 73 per cent said yes, compared to 71 per cent previously.

After the three main issues residents said they wanted to see improved the most, better job prospects and more activities for teenagers came in fourth and fifth.

The findings are detailed in Malvern Hills District Council ’s annual review which has just been published.

The review also lauds the success of Malvern Hills Science Park, which is set to undergo a £4 million expansion by building a fourth phase of the site, creating about 100 new jobs.

It also says the council wants to launch a new business advice and guidance service aimed at bolstering attempts by new traders to establish themselves.

Councillor David Hughes, leader of the authority, said: “The annual review demonstrates that the council continues to perform to the highest level and that we are fully accountable to our residents.

“This has been achieved despite severe financial challenges forced on us by significant reductions in grants from central government.

“We are committed to delivering excellent services, and at the same time maintaining a low-cost council for our residents.”

The review also says the next year will lead to a particular focus on rural communities across Malvern.

Research in Martley and Longdon has revealed concern over a lack of village shops and a need for better broadband access.

A new project aimed at improving residents’ quality of life could lead to new “local champions” being appointed to link parish councils to service providers like the NHS and Festival Housing.