A NEW survey into public safety and attitudes towards women has been launched.

The survey has been launched by County Hall's safety advisory group, which was launched after the murder of Sarah Everard earlier this year.

It aims to spark a countywide debate about the issues and fears faced by women, and bring about change.

The online survey will initially be sent to more than 1,000 residents on the council’s residents panel.

The county council insists Essex is a safe place but wants to make sure residents feel safe.

Deputy leader Louise McKinlay said: “No one in Essex should feel unsafe, and we want to find out why some residents might feel this way and how we might address this.

“This survey isn’t just a listening exercise. Every piece of feedback we receive will be carefully considered by the group, and action and change will come about as a result of the findings”

The survey was launched on Monday will run for four weeks.

Residents not on the panel can take part in the survey on the county council's Facebook Page throughout July.