 RULING Conservative councillors are pioneering a new streamlined service in a bid to cut bureaucracy and keep communities clean across West Lancashire.
The Borough Council’s Cabinet has given the green light for a new system which will see the authority become a ‘one stop shop’ for residents wanting to report graffiti on publicly-owned property.
Due to start on August 1, the Council’s Street Scene department will be singularly responsible for co-ordinating responses to reported incidents.
It will replace the current system which, depending on which authority or department is responsible for the property in question, can result in people having to make more than one phone call to report an incident.
The service was given the go-ahead after a pilot project has proved successful in giving a more streamlined service whilst reducing duplication between council departments.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Conservative Portfolio Holder for Street Scene services, said: “In the past, some residents have found themselves ringing the Borough Council to report an incident, only to find that the graffiti is on County Council property.
“So instead of them having to make another phone call to County, from August 1, residents will be able to report such matters directly to the Borough Council. Our Street Scene department will be singularly responsible for assessing each report and taking the appropriate action.
“We want to make it easier for residents to report graffiti, and by reducing the bureaucracy involved we will be creating a more efficient and user-friendly system.”
Cllr Ian Grant, Conservative leader of the Borough Council, said: “Graffiti is a real problem in some parts of West Lancashire, especially in areas of Skelmersdale, but we are committed to tackling it.
“Cutting graffiti is key to reducing other forms of anti social behaviour and even more serious crimes, while at the same time providing a safer and clean environment.
“By working with our Conservative colleagues at County Hall, I am delighted we are able to provide a ‘one stop shop’ service which will benefit Council taxpayers and the communities they live in.”
23rd June 2010 | 
