MORE than 70 per cent of people who took part in a survey are pleased with services in the North York Moors National Park.

The survey of residents by the park authority follows publication of its first business plan, which aims to target priorities put forward by residents over the next three years.

Maintaining the quality of the landscape is the top priority. Residents also said that protecting wildlife is a key priority.

Chief executive Andy Wilson said: "A new driving theme has been adopted to deliver park-wide, large-scale improvements on such issues as biodiversity, climate change and landscape character."

A fund is to be set up forlandscape improvements.

"New national schemes for agricultural support will attract new funding and we will ensure this benefits the park's residents, landscape and wildlife," said Mr Wilson.

He added that more money needs to be spent on repairing damage to footpaths and other rights of way in last June's flash floods and additional money is to be sought.

Two aspects of the park's operations which got a low rating in the survey were provision of visitor centres and investment in the planning service.

Mr Wilson said the authority would not be investing in new centres.