New technology brings housing customers closer

Social networking, photo sharing and texting are new ways of keeping in touch with Dale & Valley Homes.
The company, which manages council housing in Wear Valley, has launched new Facebook and Flickr sites and is planning to start using text messages for consultation soon.
Information about all forthcoming events is available on Facebook and staff are hoping customers will share their photos of Wear Valley through the Flickr site.
Amy Bell, project manager for the company, said: “These are new ways for people to be involved with the company, and we are hoping they will appeal to all age groups, but especially to young people, who look to the internet for their information.
“The Flickr site is a good way for people to show us their impressions of the area rather than us choosing images. We will be able to share them with the world via our website.
“We would like people to join our Flickr group at www.flickr.com/groups/1225756@N21/ . Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com.”
Customers are also being asked if they would like to join in the text survey programme, which would involve answering occasional questions with simple yes or no answers.
This is a consultation method which customers themselves thought was a good idea and asked for it to be introduced.
Anyone interested should send a text to Sam Elms on 07979 814797.
Eventually response to surveys should also be available for everyone to see via the blog section of the company’s new website, which will be on line by Christmas.