Councils: take a look at Fixmystreet

Australian public sector organisations weighing up the pros and cons of including social media in their communication, should check out an interesting UK experience.

A web site called Fixmystreet has led to local councils and residents working together to solve problems like graffiti, road hazards, broken water pipes, vandalised public facilities etc.

The idea is brilliant: residents who see problems in their community go on line and record the problem.  Fix mystreet works out which local council should be made aware — and informs that authority.  The council fixes the problem and posts details and a photograph of the repair for all to see the council’s efficiency.

It is a win-win.  The residents are rewarded for caring about their community; the problems are fixed quickly; and the council’s image is boosted by showing how quickly and effectively it reacts.  It is a whole new way for councils to interact with their community – courtesy of social media.

Ian