Rother launch newinformation app

Rother District Council is developing a new app which will allow people to view details of planning applications, food premises hygiene ratings and road closures on their phone or other mobile device.

Residents will also be able to report missed bin collections or potholes and keep up with local news and events, with information tailored to their home address or their current location if they’re out and about.

The scheme, which will build on the success of the existing My Alerts weekly email service, is being delivered in partnership with Wealden District Council, which will also be introducing email alerts.

The project is one of 24 pilot programmes across the country being backed by £950,000 funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Malcolm Johnston, Rother District Council executive director of resources, said: “More and more people these days are using their smartphone or tablet to access information on the move. This scheme will enable us to deliver information, and allow people to interact with us, in a way that uses modern technology and suits their needs.

“My Alerts has proved to be a great success with more than 20,000 people – accounting for around 41 per cent of households – signing up, which shows there is an appetite for receiving information in this way.

“While not everyone will choose this option, the fact that people can get more information electronically will ease some of the pressure on traditional means of communicating with us, including calling us via the contact centre.”

The new app, which is due to launch in August, will allow people to view information on news, planning applications and enforcement notices close to their property and take advantage of one-click reporting for council services.

Residents will also be able to access information about local transport links near their location or find details of their local councillor or polling station. The new system will not affect existing ways of communicating with the council.