New Council Helpline - Línea 900 - Council Announces New Helpline for Calpe Citizens

This news article was last updated by the: on the: 14 Jan 2012

Helpline 900 - Línea 900 - New Helpline Announced to Improve accessibility of the Council to all Calpe citizens During a press conference on 11th of January, Calpe Mayor - Cesar Sanchez, announced the launch of the "línea 900" phoneline and his business card as the first available to the public. The objective of this initiative is to make the Council accessible to all citizens and break down barriers. The cards are offered in ink and braille, so that they can also be read by the blind. The Government prioritizes Social Welfare and Service to Citizens, to help those most in need. Línea 900 is a free telephone service to enable citizens to make enquiries, suggestions, resolve issues and streamline administrative procedures. Cesar Sanchez explained that the línea 900 will be managed directly from the mayor's office and that it is "a direct way of communication with the mayor's office which aims to resolve the issues raised by citizens quickly and effectively." To do this, the office of the Department of General Services has been moved to the ground floor of the City Hall. With respect to the printing of business cards in ink and braille, the mayor said that the administration has to reach and be reached by everyone, without any obstacles. "We have to break down barriers between government and citizens." The event was attended by the Director General of ONCE in Alicante, Salvador Galvany, and ONCE Territorial Delegate in Valencia, Jose Manuel Pichel, who in his speech congratulated the Mayor for this initiative and said "it is the first time that a council publishes a card in ink and braille so that information can be read by everyone, and that this action has continuity." He added that "this design costs a little more, but reaches a lot more people." Councillor Gabriele Schäfer emphasized the proper functioning of the municipal department and noted that the main questions originating from citizens relate to street cleaning, particularly complaints about dog owners, and the roadworks being carried out in the municipality. The Councillor for Social Welfare, Elia Santos has made a brief report on the work carried out from the municipal department. The Councillor highlighted legal and integration courses for immigrants, as well as initiatives to combat school absenteeism, work done by professionals of the Maite Boronat Occupational Center, and the financial and psychological support to families of Calpe, experiencing economic difficulties. "We want citizens to know they are not alone," she assured. The Mayor announced that Calpe is currently working on a website for the town hall. The toll-free number: 900 20 40 50 has a schedule of 9:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, people can leave their queries recorded on an answering machine and they will be answered as soon as possible.