Questions and complaints can be now asked and answered on Twitter as Richmond Council joins the social media revolution.

The council’s new Twitter account will be staffed by members of the customer services team and was launched today using the handle @customerLBRuT.

Councillor Tony Arbour, cabinet member for performance and community safety, said: “Having another, dedicated point of contact for the residents of Richmond is part of the council’s drive to improve the ease with which residents can have any complaints or issues resolved.”

People can use the account alongside the existing phone number, 08456 122660, and contact form at richmond.gov.uk.

The customer services team will also take over the @LBRuT account on the launch day for a day in the life experience of the contact centre.

The day will publicise the work they do, show the kind of enquiries they receive and showcase some more of the weird, wonderful and bizarre enquiries that have made them smile.