Southwark launches new "In My Area" service on website

By entering their post code into the "In My Area" search tool on the council's website, residents can find their nearest recycling centres, libraries, leisure centres, schools, parks, museums and galleries.

Users can also see contact details for their local ward councillors and MP, check their refuse and recycling dates, view the 15 nearest planning applications received in the last two weeks and search for their council tax banding.

Other features include finding the nearest car club, listed building, GP surgery and Tube station.

The tool uses an interactive map of the area through Google StreetView and also allows people to see their local area in an historic map of 1896.

Councillor Richard Livingstone, Southwark's cabinet member for finance and resources, said the new service was designed to make it easier for people to access information about their local services.

He said: "With nearly 3.5million visits to our website over the last 12 months and growing numbers using the internet, it's vital that we provide easy access and up to date information."

To use the council's new website service visit www.southwark.gov.uk/inmyarea