Three Rivers residents are among the safest, most satisfied and most content people in the country, a survey has found.

Almost 2,000 people across the district took part in the national Place Survey last autumn. The results, published this week, show 95 per cent of people who live in Three Rivers feel safe going about their daily business.

The survey found local concerns about anti-social behaviour have also fallen, with 87 per cent of people feeling that “hooliganism” is not a problem in Three Rivers.

The figure is regarded as one of the best scores in England.

The district did, however, score poorly when it came to sports and leisure activities in Three Rivers.

Just 45 per cent of residents thought sporting facilities were good, lower than the national average.

The indictment was delivered before the council admitted further set-backs to the opening of the William Penn Leisure Centre.

However, the council says the survey was also conducted before the opening of the gymnasium, the fitness suite and the cafe at the delayed leisure centre.

The district also scored below the national average for dental care and only matched the national average when it came to hospitals.

Elsewhere, nine out of every ten people who responded – 89 per cent – were satisfied with the district as a place to live.

Pensioners’ satisfaction with their home and neighbourhood was even higher, at 91 per cent.

Scores for overall satisfaction with Three Rivers District Council – 54 per cent – as well as its value for money – 39 per cent – were also among the best in England.

When it came to Three Rivers District Council's environmental work, nearly eight out of 10 people were satisfied with their local parks and open spaces.

The district's recycling system was also met with satisfaction, with 82 per cent of people saying they were happy with the service.

The council’s refuse collection service scored even higher, with 86 per cent.

All three marks were in the top quartile of the country.

Three Rivers District Council's cabinet member, Roger Seabourne, said: “Crime has continued to fall and is still the lowest in Hertfordshire. It’s encouraging that people are feeling safer as a result.

“Although we are relatively high scoring on value for money and overall satisfaction compared with other councils in England these levels of satisfaction are still far too low.

“We are saving almost £1 million over this year and next year while slightly increasing service provision. But there is still more that all councils must do to save money while making further service improvements.”

A full copy of the report is available from the District Council enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk 01923 776611.