Townsfolk in Didcot will support more housing development, but only if the council provides better roads and public services.

That was the opinion of the majority of those quizzed in a survey on attitudes towards the development of the town.

About 4,500 homes are planned at sites including the Ladygrove East and Great Western Park, while a further 4,500 homes are included in the South East Plan, the blueprint for regional growth between 2016 and 2026.

The face-to-face survey of around 1,000 people was carried out by pollsters Mori.

The majority of residents said their biggest concern was the pressure on roads and public transport, health and public services.

Almost equal numbers came out for and against the new developments - with 37 per cent in opposition and 34 per cent in support of growth.

However, two thirds said they would support the expansion if the council tackled these priority issues.

Residents are keen to see more NHS dentists, an awareness of the environment and facilities for young people improved.

David Buckle, chief executive of South Oxfordshire District Council, said the results were very encouraging.

He said: "We must deliver the right infrastructure. These results send a very clear message to the council.

"The survey has vindicated our decision to expand the town and it reassures us that we can take the people with us, provided we get the infrastructure right "It gives us the confidence to move forward and that we have the right strategy. But there is a whole series of challenges we face now."

Didcot has been designated as a growth point, which means it gets money from the Government for facilities in exchange for building housing.

A big concern, shared by 86 per cent of residents, was building on greenfield sites.

Over half would prefer the new housing to be built within the existing boundaries of Didcot.

Mr Buckle, said: "We will be looking at brownfield sites but I wouldn't want to pretend we can magic new homes without building on greenfield sites."

The survey results also showed 85 per cent of residents are satisfied with Didcot. Nearly two thirds of residents think the town has improved in the last three years, particularly the shopping facilities.

Mr Buckle said: "This is very interesting and a much more positive view than some people would have us believe. I think this reflects the hard work we have been doing to improve the town."

However, one in seven said the town had got worse due to a perceived increase in crime.