Walsall Council soars on Twitter
Date Published : 15 July 2009
Users of Walsall Council’s Twitter feed have soared by almost 600 per cent in less than two months, it has emerged.
More than 340 people are now signed up for regular news updates from the authority.
The feed is the most popular local authority site in the West Midlands with the authority’s website also listed in the top 20 in the country.
Councillor Mike Bird, Walsall Council Leader, said: “It’s very clear that people across the world are making great use of things like Twitter.
“People have told us that they like having updates from us in this form and the fact that growth has been almost 600 per cent in such a short space of time shows we are doing the right thing.”
Councillor Marco Longhi, Walsall Council corporate scrutiny panel chairman, said: “Twitter is not for everyone. We know that and we’ll still be using the traditional ways of communicating with people but for growing numbers of people this is how they pick up the news.
“As a council we are very advanced compared to other authorities. We have a focus group of officers and members which is looking at how we can best use things like Twitter as well as YouTube and Facebook.”
The Walsall Council Twitter site was established in January and attracted 50 users by April 18 when regular messages – known as ‘tweets’ – started.
Recent messages have flagged up news headlines as well as events, walks or tips on where to go at the weekend to enjoy the sunny weather.
Pictures of landmarks around the borough have also been sent out and have included shots of Barr Beacon, the Brownhills Miner and Pelsall Finger Post.
The work of the authority is also shown through photographs with a series of unsung heroes showcased including staff who help people find work as well as those who clean the streets.
It was also used to highlight flooding in Bridgeman Street and has helped a gymnastics group find a new home.
To join Twitter log on at www.twitter.com and search for “WalsallCouncil” whose account is @walsallcouncil.
