Text the Council |
10 Feb 2005 |
Recent surveys show that approximately four-fifths
of the British population either possess or have access
to a mobile phone.
The ability to contact and communicate with friends,
family and colleagues at a moment's notice by voice
or text message in almost any location has transformed
modern lifestyles in a variety of different ways.
And with the introduction of a new 'txt the council'
service, the people of South Tyneside now have the opportunity
to employ this most popular of recent technological
advances to make the borough a better place in which
to live.
By using the Council's new SMS text messaging service,
residents and visitors alike are able to send a message
of up to 160 characters relating to a whole range of
environmental issues that may be causing concern.
So how does the new 'txt the council' service work?
First, South Tyneside residents are advised to enter
and save the number 07786 200 802 into their mobile
phone memory.
They will then be able to instantly voice their concerns
directly to the Council on a variety of environmental
issues whenever and wherever they emerge. Users are
encouraged to be as descriptive as possible, including
an accurate location point.
Once the text message has been sent, it will be forwarded
to the appropriate department by the Council's contact
centre on the next working day.
In this way, people living within South Tyneside and
visitors to the borough will have access to a direct
link with Council officers and staff requesting the
swift removal of eyesores such as abandoned cars, fly
tipped rubbish and graffiti.
Sending a text message will also allow on-the-spot
reporting of other nuisance issues such as vandalism,
stray dogs and anti social behaviour, but the broad
spectrum of issues which can be communicated covers
concerns about the condition of roads, footpaths and
public toilets to queries about refuse collection, recycling
and consumer advice issues.
The cost of using a text or multimedia message will
depend upon the mobile phone tariff used, but the Council
will not make any additional charge. Photo images cannot
be included in the 'txt the council' service at present.
The service is available at user's own risk with the
inclusion of an address or personal details being discouraged.
Once received, the Council will send a reply text message
giving details of the action it intends to take.
Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member Neighbourhood
Services says: "Vulnerable and elderly consumers
are most at risk from doorstep callers and scams. In
an effort to tackle the problem in this specific area
South Tyneside Council are piloting a text message alert
scheme.
If you are an elderly resident of South Tyneside or
a carer of an elderly or vulnerable individual text
"doorstep" to 07786 200 802. Over the pilot
period we will text you with up to the minute warnings
of rogue traders or doorstep scams that we become aware
of affecting the South Tyneside area."
South Tyneside residents who do not own or have access
to a mobile phone can still report their concerns about
environmental issues by calling the Council's contact
centre, telephone 427 7000 from Monday to Friday between
8am and 8pm and between 9am and 1pm on Saturday.
Alternatively, they can use the e-services section
of the Council website at www.southtyneside.info or
by e-mail to: customerhelp@southtyneside.gov.uk
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