Concerns over crime and the environment differ greatly between young and old people in the Midlands, a new survey released today reveals.
Almost half (42 per cent) of young people aged 18-24 say gun crime is one of the top three things they want to change in their local communities, according to the figures.
However, older people are more concerned with binge drinking, with 61 per cent of 45-54 years rating it as one of the things they would like to change.
Only 43 per cent of 18-24 year olds say binge drinking is a major concern, whereas only 19 per cent of older people said gun crime should be targeted.
The findings come from The National Crime and Grime Survey, conducted by ICM and commissioned by Community Service Volunteers Make a Difference Day and Barclays.
They reveal what people would most like to change in their local communities regarding crime, anti-social behaviour and the environment, and how they can make changes.
On issues concerning crime and anti-social behaviour, the consolidated results show most people in the Midlands wanted street crime reduced and the local drug problems cleaned up (both 57 per cent).
People then wanted to see yob culture tackled (51 per cent) and binge drinking reduced (46 per cent).
Other concerns were over gun crime (37 per cent) and people urinating in public (17 per cent).
The same sample of people were also asked to rank the top three things they would most like to change in their local communities regarding the environment.
The consolidated Midland results reveal that most people (73 per cent) want to see litter cleaned up, while other concerns centred on dog mess (55 per cent) and fly-tipping (43 per cent).
Anna Gilmour, CSV Make a Difference Day Campaign Co-ordinator, said: "This survey shows the scale of people's discontent with the state of their local communities.
"But people are not powerless to make changes. Through volunteering they can make a difference.
"For example, someone concerned about street crime could become a special constable or a mentor for a young person at risk of offending, while those with environmental concerns could organise a litter pick or walk-to-work scheme to help reduce air pollution, the possibilities are endless." n ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1,001 adults
