The developers of the online neighbourhood-problem reporting system, Street Repairs, have taken a further step towards linking local people to their local councils, with the launch of a free website API plug-in.

By installing the plug-in, website owners can assist with the number of faults reported to councils and gain access to key data including images, trends, hotspots, the number of unresolved problems, and the time taken to complete repairs.

Street Repairs is an intuitive online tool that enables residents to report street maintenance and repair issues via their mobile phone, at no charge. If something needs fixing such as potholes, street lighting, or fly tipping, local residents can report it quickly and easily to their local council via Street Repairs in real time, then receive instant progress updates via text message and email. This unique information gathering, monitoring and reporting system enables residents to more easily connect with their local council, empowering them to make changes in their neighbourhood. Local councils can integrate the Street Repairs system with their own internal processes to more efficiently record faults, prioritise maintenance issues, plan improvements and report progress.

Mr Colin Mahoney, software developer and MD of the non-profit system, said "streetrepairs.co.uk API plug-in will raise the online profile of Street Repairs and make information on street maintenance problems more widely available, which in turn will encourage residents, councils and key influential organisations to work together to fix Britain's streets".

Since its launch just a few months ago, Street Repair's popularity has exploded among members of the public via social media. It now has thousands of facebook fans and is receiving hundreds of detailed reports from concerned members of the public.

By installing the free API plug-in on their website, newspapers, community organisations, cycling groups, and other interested website owners, can encourage their audience to engage with local authorities, to improve their neighbourhood and community.

The new plug-in gives an unprecedented level of access to analytical data on a local and national level on the condition of our neighbourhoods. Data can be accessed in real time, and reports can be compiled instantly.

Analysis of the number and types of reports made, issues resolved, and images submitted, can identify local trends, such as the impact of a rising population, or budget cuts. This information can be reported back to the community, or used to assist the local council to make improvements.

The plug-in is free to install and use, and the Street Repairs team are available to give full technical support if needed. The cloud-based system will have minimal impact on the host website, and requires limited expertise to integrate. Once installed, residents will be able to report street maintenance problems to the local council via the plug-in, and the website owner will have access to all the data about reported problems, at no charge.

With the help of Street Repairs www.streetrepairs.co.uk/problems, local residents, local organisations and local councils can work together to fix their local environment. The new API plug-in makes it easier than ever to report neighbourhood-problems, and at the same time the plug-in provides data to community organisations who may be able to use the reports to influence local council policies and standards. The websites exists and funds itself thanks to generous sponsors.

18th April to 20th April

Based at England’s largest working reindeer farm in the heart of Staffordshire, the Three Tribes is a 3 day event packed full of live music and entertainment. 7 bands, Rock Disco, Sunday Poker Run, trade stalls, Raffle, games, bike show, etc…

venue: Blithbury Reindeer Lodge, Uttoxeter Road, Blithbury near Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 3HY

facebook event

Nationwide ‘Demo day’ on April 12
• Opportunity to see new 2014 model range
• Diavel will be the newest model on display at dealers
• Other new models include 899 Panigale and Monster 1200

Ducati dealers around the UK and Ireland will be opening their doors on April 12 for a demonstrator day that will give customers the chance to view and try out the latest 2014 Ducati model range. Visitors will be among the first in the country to see the newly arrived Ducati Diavel.

The new Diavel arrives in dealerships boasting a range of updates to one of Ducati’s already most impressive models. The list of new Diavel features includes the latest version of the new Testastretta 11° DS engine, a new exhaust system and the latest technological elements such as the new full-LED headlight, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes. The new model follows the company’s “Performance Redefined” philosophy, using cutting-edge innovation and technology to provide a smoother, safer and more rider-friendly experience, enabling easier access for the ever-increasing number of people who desire the unique thrill of riding a Ducati.

There will also be the opportunity to test ride some of Ducati’s latest models including the stunning 899 Panigale and the latest evolution of the iconic Monster, the Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S. There will also be a selected range of 2014 models on display and available to test ride although this will vary from dealer to dealer.

It is advisable to book test rides in advance. Details of your nearest dealer can be found here. Terms and conditions apply, please contact your dealer for details.

The government has got a long way to go to convince drivers that they have the pothole problem in control as 67 per cent of motorists think that they are doing a bad or a very bad job of maintaining the nation’s roads, according to the latest research published today by road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of female drivers believe that the government is doing a bad or very bad job, but the figure increases for male drivers 69 per cent unhappy with the current state of the roads.

There is a clear lack of communication between the motoring public and local councils. A third of drivers (34 per cent) think that their council is cutting spending on road maintenance but 60 per cent of drivers don’t know if budgets are being cut, suggesting councils are performing poorly on informing and engaging with local residents. Over half of drivers (52 per cent) think that local councils are doing a bad or very bad job of looking after local roads. Fifty-seven per cent of males and 49 per cent of females believe their council is doing a bad or very bad job.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Despite the government’s pothole review, there is a high level of dissatisfaction with the efforts of authorities to keep our roads safe and smooth drive or ride on.

“The government need to convince motorists that they have a real cure for the pothole pandemic. This can only be achieved through clear communication on new policies, more sharing of resources, sustained long-term funding and a continued commitment to eradicating the maintenance backlog of crumbling British roads.”

The IAM offers tips on avoiding the risks associated with potholes:

•Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front so that you can see the road surface before you drive or ride on it.
•If you do hit a pothole accidentally, make a point of checking your tyres once you’ve stopped. Check the inner as well as the outer tyre wall, which may have been damaged as a result.
•Avoid suddenly pulling out to avoid a hole – you might discover that there is a motorcyclist trying to get past you, or encounter an oncoming vehicle.
•Bikers and cyclists need to look well ahead and change direction early so they have time to deal with the holes, and so that their movements don’t cause surprise to other road users.
•Potholes tend to reappear in the same place again and again as previous repairs fail - remember where you saw one and expect it to be there again.
•Be extra vigilant on roads with lots of lorries and also around bus stops. Extra pressure is put on the road surface wherever heavy vehicles stop, start or turn.

Clive Padgett’s road race team has been given a boost for 2014 with the announcement that the squad will have a new title sponsor - oil giant Valvoline. 

The rainbow coloured machines of the Batley based Honda outfit have finished on the podium in 20 of the last 25 TTs they’ve raced in, including Ian Hutchinson’s unprecedented five-in-week in 2010. 

It was this track record that clinched the deal for Valvoline boss, Dr Simon Cupples.

“Padgett’s have a helluva track record in racing and we were looking for a winning team that would give us the opportunity to demonstrate the technology and relevance of our products- Padgett’s provide that opportunity.” he said as the deal was signed in the Yorkshire dealer’s busy showroom last week.

The tie-up will be Valvoline’s first significant involvement in bike racing since the company sponsored Niall McKenzie in Grands Prix in 1993 on the WCM Yamaha. Kiwi Bruce Anstey will be the team’s main rider for 2014 as he chases down his 10th TT win.

“I don’t want to sound corporate because I’m definitely not corporate.” Clive Padgett said. “But it is great to be approached by a company like Valvoline because of our success on the track. We see ourselves as a ‘mates racing ‘ team and this deal will ensure we are able to keep doing what we do.”

The new colours will have their first public showing at the opening two BSB rounds at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch, with Kiwi Bruce Anstey and Aussie Glen Richards riding Fireblades in the Superstock races.

John McGuinness, who will ride the Valvoline/Padgetts Hondas in the RL 360 Superstock and Monster Energy Supersport races at the Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy alongside his official factory prepared SP Fireblade Superbike, also welcomed the oil company’s backing.

“We will try to deliver the goods for Clive and Valvoline this year. The only problem I see is that these jackets are a bit white and they will get dirty pretty quickly when we’re working on the bikes.”