Sunderland Speaks: Your verdict on what's good and bad about life in the city

They are just some of the things you like - and don't like - about living in the city.

This week the Echo has launched a new series, Sunderland Speaks, which will see us get out and about across Wearside to get to the heart of life in your neighbourhoods.

We want to know what it is you like, and don’t like, about your communities and to find out about the individuals who are really making a difference to those areas.

To find out more about Sunderland Speaks, click here.

This week, we’ve been in the city centre asking people what are their favourite, and least favourite, aspects of living in Sunderland.

The cost of transport was on the top of some people's lists, with Curtis Jobey saying: “The cheap transport is the probably the best.”

Tom Baker agreed, adding: “the transport links are good, as well as the cost.”

From some, it turns out that it is the actual people of Sunderland that is the best thing about living here.

Jonny Collins said: “The people are really friendly, that’s the best thing.”

Iain Wallace agreed: “There is lots of friendly people.”

Recent crime in the city was on the minds of some for the worst thing about living in Sunderland.

George Cram said: “It's worrying,” while Curtis Jobey added: “I agree, the crime is bad.”

Litter was the worst thing for some people, Tom Baker said: “There is a lot of rubbish on the streets.”

Jonny Collins agrees: “The litter is pretty bad.”

Daniel Lawrence highlighted the parking issues within the city saying: “There needs to be better parking, it’s hard having a car and working in the city centre.”

The Bridge’s shopping centre received a few mentions for being the best thing about living in Sunderland, however Iain Wallace believes that the city centre could be better.

“I feel there is a lack of ambition within the city, especially in the city centre itself,” he said.

Do you agree with what people are saying? Then tell us. Click here to complete the Sunderland Speaks survey and give us your view on where you live or send us an email at [email protected]

SUNDERLAND SPEAKS - WHAT IS IT?

It's exactly what the name says.

It's YOUR chance to have your say on life where you live.

Over the coming months, the Echo will be coming to a street near you to profile what life is really like across Wearside.

We'll be putting a series of features together about what goes on in the different neighbourhoods across the city - and we need your help!

We want to hear from you about what it is that you love most about your neighbourhood - whether it's beaches, parks, a favourite shop or pub, a popular community class or an unsung charity champ who deserves a bit of credit.

And we also want to hear what you think could be better about where you live. Again, that could be anything. Be it litter, law and order, public transport. It's your call.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

It's very easy. Take part in our simple survey and answer the easy-to-follow questions. Click here to do the quick survey.

These will help us get to the heart of what matters most in the areas where you live.

Each community in Sunderland will have different priorities, so the more you tell us, the more we can highlight the right issues.

And if you want to feature more prominently in any of our reports then you can also get in touch via the same 'Sunderland Speaks' email, which is [email protected].