Concerns after app for local issues 'closes cases'

A Lancaster City Council meeting heard some cases had been closed on the app before resolution

A three-week delay in removing "highly offensive" graffiti has led to concerns about an app for the public to report environmental and street issues, a Lancaster City Council meeting heard.

Councillor Matthew Black said he reported the graffiti on a bridge via the Love Clean Streets app, which is used by multiple councils for reporting issues such as potholes and fly-tipping.

At the meeting, he said the app had sent a message that the case was closed but the "graffiti remained".

Councillor Paul Hart, cabinet member for environmental services, said the "case was closed too soon", adding: "I am not an expert on apps but I have been told that officers have taken steps and it should be better."

Black said: "It is frustrating that cases are being closed without the work being done.

"I struggle to believe this was due to a teething problem. Residents need assurance that there will be a response."

Hart said the graffitied bridge was under Lancashire County Council's remit, adding: "If a case is reported but comes under the remit of another authority, such as Lancashire County Council, or a railway authority, it is closed on the system.

"But there is a message of guidance about the correct organisation. However, I have to add the messages about cases being 'closed' was going on for a while."

He said the rollout of Love Clean Streets had led to an increase in public engagement with cases resolved within an average of four or five working days, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

"At the time, operational issues did not allow us to react as soon as possible," he said.