Worcester people are supporting plans to introduce street wardens with the powers to impose on-the-spot fines for litter and dog-fouling, a survey has found.

People said they were also in favour of new automated toilets with a 10p charge for the city and were willing to reduce staffing at community centres.

The findings are from a "snap-shot" survey into Worcester City Council's spending plans for the next financial year.

Researchers have quizzed 145 Worcester residents on whether an £800,000 funding shortfall should be made up by changes in up to 10 services, increased council tax or a combination of both.

And the results have largely echoed the budget recommendations being tabled for discussion on Tuesday.

While 66 per cent of residents accepted some increase in council tax, the research indicated that the optimal rise should be around £4 a year - a view largely in line with the Council's proposed £3.36 increase.

But at the same time, 35 per cent of those quizzed opted for tax cuts and greater reductions in service - with the under 40s less prepared to pay the highest level of increase for improved services, and 42 per cent of pensioners preferring a tax cut.

"This is the second time we have used Research for Today's approach and it is encouraging to see that the public's preferences for changes in service delivery and council tax levels are very much in line with our own budget plans," said the council's deputy leader Simon Geraghty

"In fact, we are going to be able to deliver all the major service improvements the public has highlighted in the survey, with lower council taxes than many have indicated they would be prepared to accept.

"I regard that as good news for hardworking families and those on fixed incomes."