RESIDENTS in a north Shropshire town are being asked to back a survey of their health and community care experience.

Ellesmere Town Council is sending out the survey to residents' homes in the next couple of weeks. It will also be available online on its website.

The survey will ask questions about people's experiences of GP, dental, optical, audiology and wellbeing services, as well as local pharmacies, and all contributions will be anonymous.

Ellesmere town mayor, Councillor Anne Wignall, said she hoped that as many people as possible would fill in the survey.

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She said: "There has been much discussion about health and wellbeing in the town and councillors have been approached by residents who have concerns.

“We are therefore asking people if they would like to share their stories with us, to include what works well and where there is room for improvement.

“We want to engage with the issues people think are important."

The town council will consider the information received and share this with providers, lobby for change, or tackle the problems, as appropriate.

Cllr Geoff Elner, Ellesmere town councillor and member of Shropshire Council for Ellesmere Urban, added that the survey will help the town's approach to improving facilities ahead of the influx of new houses.

He said: “As new houses are built and the population of Ellesmere continues to grow residents are worried that local health providers will be able to cope with the extra demands on the services.

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“It is essential that we act to help ensure that extra provision is made available where needed and we are already talking with all of the relevant authorities to highlight existing concerns.

“This survey will help us to benchmark where we are now and l would encourage everyone to participate and complete one.”

Completed paper copies can be handed in at the town hall, the Post Office or to Ismay's in the High Street.