David Cameron's Big Society risks failure unless the Government does not learn how rural communities "tick", a report has warned.

A survey of more than 1,300 people found the countryside is blighted by high fuel costs, a chronic shortage of housing and low-paid employment.

But the report, carried out by an economic development company, warns that the Prime Minister's cherished concept is struggling to muster much enthusiasm.

The Big Society calls for civic action to replace state intervention, but has been dismissed by some as a cover for spending cuts.

Professor Shepherd, director of the Rural Evidence Research Centre at the University of London, who wrote the foreword to the report, said: "People in rural areas are up for volunteering to support the social life of their communities but less so to replace services that are cut."

Last week, the Western Morning News reported the Local Government Select Committee had warned the flagship project was struggling to take hold.

It said many Westcountry communities embraced the spirit of taking responsibility for themselves long before Mr Cameron gave it a name.

But after visits across Devon and Somerset, it emerged there are fears volunteers are already working flat out and councils will "abdicate" responsibility.

Now the Rural Insight report, launched at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors national rural conference in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, echoed many of the sentiments.

The survey, a joint initiative by economic development experts Rose Regeneration and Ruralcity Media, claims to "explode the myth of a rural idyll".

It argues communities are dependent on local authorities because of their physical and technological remoteness.

Report author Ivan Annibal said: "Many rural residents still expect the state to provide key local services.

"They prefer the idea of better transport to get people to services, rather than services provided electronically via the internet or by local community groups.

"This represents another wake up call for those who assume the Big Society will somehow spontaneously spring to life and come to their rescue."

But he added some communities valued the "informal provision of rural services by volunteers".

The cross-party select committee report went further. It said people in Chudleigh, Devon, between Exeter and Newton Abbot, believed the Big Society "already exists", pointing to a thriving weekly market, heritage centre and community orchard.

Meanwhile, Dulverton in West Somerset is to look at running services such as grass-cutting and car parks.

But Mr Annibal said: "The government must think harder about what makes rural places tick.

"It must also develop local know-how to make the Big Society happen."

Another recent report indicated that the Big Society is already a deep-rooted aspect of Westcountry life.

The analysis, by consultants Consulting Inplace, showed that five of the ten areas in England where volunteering is highest are in the far South West.