Walsall residents can now report a wider range of neighbourhood concerns online, thanks to new digital forms introduced by Walsall Council.
From noisy neighbours and anti-social behaviour to fly-tipping and concerns about taxis, the expanded online reporting service aims to make it easier for people to raise issues affecting their local communities.
The forms are available 24 hours a day, allowing residents to submit reports at a time that suits them without having to contact the council directly.
Each form takes users through the reporting process, helping them provide the information needed for the council to investigate their concerns. Residents can also upload photographs and other supporting evidence where appropriate.
What can residents report?
The new service covers a variety of environmental and community safety issues, including noise complaints, smoke nuisance, intrusive artificial lighting and rubbish accumulating on private property.
Residents can also raise concerns about fly-tipping on privately owned land or overgrown trees, hedges and other vegetation obstructing pavements, roads, traffic signs or street lighting.
Other reporting options include anti-social behaviour, unauthorised encampments, potential problems with licensed businesses and activities, and complaints involving taxis or private hire vehicles licensed by Walsall Council.
Once a form has been submitted, residents will receive an email confirming their report, together with a unique reference number.
The council will then assess the information, determine how the matter should be handled and contact the person who submitted the report about their case.
Council encourages residents to speak up
Councillor Ian Benton, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene and Enforcement at Walsall Council, welcomed the introduction of the new forms and highlighted the importance of residents helping to identify local problems.
“Residents are our eyes and ears on the ground, and these new forms make it easier to report issues affecting our neighbourhoods and bring them to our attention.
Everyone should feel safe in their home and community, and we are committed to taking action and tackling issues and behaviour that affects others.
The more detail residents can provide when reporting a concern, the better we can assess the issue and determine what action is needed.”
How to report a concern
Residents can select the appropriate reporting form directly from Walsall Council’s website:
- Report anti-social behaviour
- Report fly-tipping on private land
- Report accumulated rubbish
- Report smoke nuisance
- Report an unauthorised encampment
- Report concerns about taxis or private hire vehicles
- Report a licensing concern
- Report nuisance lighting
- Report noise nuisance
- Report overgrown vegetation
- Report grounds maintenance or grass-cutting problems
Help available for residents
Anyone who experiences difficulties using the online reporting system can seek assistance at their nearest Walsall Connected hub.
Alternatively, residents can telephone Walsall Council’s Customer Experience Centre on 01922 650000.
The council has emphasised that the forms are designed for non-emergency situations. Suspected criminal activity should be reported to West Midlands Police, while anyone witnessing a crime in progress or an incident involving immediate danger should call 999.
The new reporting options are intended to give residents a more convenient way to highlight local concerns and help the council identify issues affecting neighbourhoods across the borough.