A new idea to encourage residents to use social media
Litter, graffiti and fly-tipping are being targeted by Hounslow Council during social media week.
Residents are being encouraged to report any rubbish or grime they see around the borough to the council via Twitter (@LBofHounslow), so it can be dealt with promptly.
Cllr Sue Sampson, cabinet member for customer service at the council, said:
“We’ve been using Twitter for a while now, and we’ve already engaged with lots of residents to help them report things like missed rubbish collections and fly-tipping.
“This doesn’t replace our other methods of reporting, but compliments it."
Cllr Colin Ellar, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, said: “We’re actively trying to encourage more people to let us know about rubbish and graffiti around the borough.
“Twitter makes it easier for people who see problems when they’re out and about, to report it to us there and then, so we can quickly get it tidied up.”
Cllr Theo Dennison, ward councillor for Syon, has been an enthusiastic advocate for the service. He said:
“I’ve only been using Twitter for a short amount of time, and it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is far quicker than calling or going home and reporting it via email.
“There are no long forms to fill in, and if you attach a picture anyone can see the state of the street you report - so they can see for themselves whether things improve.”
So far, people have reported abandoned sofas and dumped rubbish across the borough.
People can also report dumped rubbish at www.hounslow.gov.uk/street_care or by calling 020 8583 5555.
September 28, 2012