WHILE happier than most in Britain, Wintonians are not as content with council services as they used to be, according to a survey.

The details were revealed in a Government-backed survey carried out by independent pollsters in England's ancient capital.

They asked the same set of questions in 2001, 2004 and 2007 in cities across Britain.

Of those surveyed in Winchester this year, 57 per cent were satisfied' or very satisfied' with city council services.

But the figure is four per cent below the 2004 benchmark, and 21 per cent below 2001.

The satisfaction level of Wintonians is still three per cent above the national average, but that is compared with 13 per cent in 2001.

Pollsters also asked residents for their views on specific services, which produced mixed results.

Of those surveyed, 79 per cent commended the district's recycling facilities, compared to 75 per cent in 2004.

Leisure centres, parks, museums and galleries also fared better than previous years, and above national averages.

The authority fell down in dealing with grievances, with two thirds of complainants unhappy about the way their case was handled.

The national average was marginally better, and local satisfaction levels in 2001 were nine per cent higher.

In response, the council said it was "working hard" to improve the way it handled complaints.

Cllr George Beckett, who leads the authority, said: "Once again we have a pleasing set of satisfaction results, we are consistently above the national average, and on the whole in the top 25 per cent of local authorities."