OLDER people say Southend is getting better, according to a council survey.

This was revealed following a survey carried out in December 2009 and January 2010 focusing on elderly residents.

People from all over the borough were asked for their views on certain aspects of the town and this was compared to a previous survey in 2007.

Ninety-two per cent of respondents over 65 said their quality of life was either very good or good compared with 86 per cent in 2007, while 90 per cent of those over 55 said their quality of life is very good or good.

The proportion of residents over 65 who feel very safe living in Southend has risen from 14 per cent to 19 per cent, while 81 per cent of those over 55 feel either very or fairly safe.

Comments made included: “Southend is well policed, well lit at night and most people are friendly and helpful.”

Southend’s councillor for adult social care, Anna Waite, said: “This kind of survey helps the older members of the community to voice their opinions and helps us to improve what we do.

“It is very heartening to see that they are the acknowledging positive improvements across the town and I hope that this trend will continue.”

The results of the survey will be used by the council to draw up a new Older Peoples Strategy for the town.