CONGESTION has topped the pile for what Worcester people want improving the most - fuelling concern residents are unhappy about the traffic levels.

A major public sector survey, which was sent out to nearly 750 householders in May and June, has also put road and pavement repairs as people's second biggest concern and public transport third.

The Viewpoint survey, a major yearly feedback tool on behalf of councils, the NHS and fire service, also placed affordable housing at fourth and activities for teenagers in fifth.

It means traffic congestion, which was cited by 59 per cent of respondents as their biggest gripe, has returned to top the pile for the first time since 2013 - a possible reflection on several major roadworks schemes taking place earlier this year which caused repeated delays.

It is the first time in five years that job prospects have not featured in the top five concerns, with the number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance at its lowest level since 2004.

The survey also asked people to rank their 'top five most important things in making somewhere a good place to live', with the health service top for the first time, knocking crime levels from number one.

That verdict follows major concern about Worcestershire Royal Hospital's over-stretched A&E which made it the county's major talking point last winter and during the election period.

After crime levels, parks and open spaces, clean streets and education/affordable housing make up the top five factors in somewhere being deemed a good place to live.

Although the survey went to people across the county some questions were Worcester-specific, like satisfaction with the way the city council runs things, which was at 65 per cent.

That outcome is a fall of three per cent on 2014, but compares to just 45 per cent back in 2008.

Some 54 per cent said they got value for money from the council, a rate which remains static on one year ago and compares to 33 per cent in 2008.

Councillor Chris Mitchell, the city council's cabinet member for finance, said he believed the £22 million Worcestershire Parkway rail station due to open in 2017 and the £41 million A4440 Southern Link Road revamp will change people's views on congestion.

"The long-term trends and direction of travel is generally positive compared to last year," he said.

"I'd say to people, don't get too excited by the short-term trends but look at the long term ones."

Some 516 people across Worcester responded to the Viewpoint survey, which also went out to households across the whole county.

The county council is going to publish the results in full at a later date.