Almeria’s text quest

ALMERIA city council will spend €13,000 this year texting residents in a quest to keep citizens informed.

Council bosses have decided to launch the new service to keep mobile phone users in the city updated on matters like cultural activities and bill payment deadlines.

Once registered, residents will receive text messages on relevant council issues.

And a phone application will include an interface that will allow the deaf to tell Local Police to alert the fire brigade or ambulance services in an emergency.

The system will not allow users to file complaints or request services like cleaning, tree trimming or furniture removal, as these actions are already possible through the Citizens Portal (‘Portal del Ciudadano’) on the council’s website.