THE vast majority of North Yorkshire residents believe the county is a harmonious place to live - and are happy with their local area and their home, according to a national survey published today.

The 2009 Place survey - which is designed to capture people’s views, perceptions and experiences of their home patch - is to be used by local public services to make sure that their policies are producing the changes that people want.

Results show that 87 per cent of people in North Yorkshire are satisfied or very satisfied with their local area compared with 86 per cent two years ago and 79 per cent for England as a whole. As many as 92 per cent and 90 per cent of those over 65 are satisfied or very satisfied with their home as a place to live. And up to 81 per cent feel that people from different backgrounds get on well in their area. Concerns about anti-social behaviour have dropped with only 11 per cent seeing this as a problem in their area compared to 24 per cent two years ago.

Many people help out by volunteering with nearly one in three having volunteered at least once a month in the past year.

More than 10,000 people across the county gave their views for the survey that was carried out by North Yorkshire’s seven districts last year.

Other findings included: · 92 per cent said they feel safe in their area during the day, 68 per cent feel safe when outside after dark; · 74 per cent feel local public services treat all types of people fairly; · over 70 per cent feel local public services are working to make the area cleaner and greener; · 81 per cent are satisfied with refuse collection; · 73 per cent are satisfied with household waste recycling centres; · 79 per cent said they are treated with respect and consideration all or most of the time by public services; · 65 per cent use their local bus service compared to 56 per cent two years ago; · 86 per cent are making use of parks and open spaces compared to 81 per cent two years ago.