A MORI poll is to be carried out in West Devon to find out if residents are satisfied with borough council services.

The top market research organisation will ask people about their views on street cleaning, refuse collection, recycling, leisure facilities, planning and environmental health.

The survey results will be used by the borough to help the council invest money where it matters.

The data will also be used by research teams in local and regional government to study national patterns of service satisfaction.

Martin Keene, the borough council's best value officer, said that people taking part had been chosen at random.

The questionnaires will be sent out this week but should be returned to MORI in supplied pre-paid envelopes by October 9.

'We are working in partnership with other councils in Devon to survey residents so that we can provide the best possible service,' said Mr Keene. 'This will help us to make improvements in the services that are important to our residents.

'It doesn't matter if those polled have only just moved to the area or if they don't pay council tax — it is important that we hear everybody's views.'

The short questionnaire is the first in a series which we will be sending out to local people every three years.

Similar questionnaires are being sent out by councils nationwide and people in West Devon may receive surveys from Devon County Council and Devon Fire and Rescue Service as part of the 'Have Your Say' campaign.

The borough council results will be available later this year and will be published.

'If you do receive a survey form, please fill it in and send it back,' said Mr Keene. 'In this way you can be sure that your views are heard.'