Posting about a pothole, overflowing litter bin or broken street light on social media may raise awareness among neighbours, but it does not officially report the problem to the organisation responsible for fixing it. Using the correct reporting channel ensures the issue is recorded, sent to the right team and given a reference number so progress can be tracked.
Road and pavement damage
Staffordshire County Council is responsible for most public roads and pavements in Stone. Residents can report potholes directly through the council's online map.
Other damage to roads, kerbs, pavements and cycleways can be submitted through the road and pavement damage form. The council's highways reporting service also covers blocked drains and gullies, flooding, damaged signs, faded road markings, roadworks and overgrown vegetation affecting the highway.
Reports can be plotted on an online map to help the highways team identify the precise location. Residents can also check whether some problems have already been reported.
For non-urgent problems, use the online reporting service or the MyStaffs app. For highways emergencies involving immediate risk, call 0300 111 8000, though this option should only be used for urgent problems.
Street lighting and traffic signals
Faulty street lights and illuminated signs can be reported through Staffordshire County Council's street lighting reporting service. The service includes an online map showing individual street lights, allowing residents to select the affected unit where possible.
Problems with traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, road signs and road markings can be reported using the separate signals, signs and road markings form. Damage presenting an immediate danger should be reported as a highways emergency.
Litter, fly tipping and graffiti
Stafford Borough Council deals with fly tipping, litter, graffiti, fly posting, dog fouling and abandoned vehicles in Stone.
Residents can report abandoned vehicles, street litter, graffiti and street cleansing problems using dedicated forms on the council website. The Streetscene reporting forms also cover bus shelters, street furniture, grounds maintenance and damaged street name plates.
Photographs, videos and location details can be added to reports. Where someone is seen dumping waste from a vehicle, details such as the registration number, vehicle description, location, date and time are particularly useful. The council may require a signed witness statement before using registered keeper information.