Mobile and web app developers Bbits are celebrating the one millionth interaction on their environmental reporting app, Love Clean Streets. On average, nearly 29,000 reports are made through Love Clean Streets every month, covering a variety of environmental issues from fly-tipping to dog fouling. The app has been in use by the public and local authorities since 2010, and has become more popular during the past year.

“Reports have increased due to both an increase in public awareness of the app, and because local authorities understand the importance of providing a range of innovative ways for citizens to engage with them, other than call centres,” explained Ian Blackburn, CEO of Bbits and founder of Love Clean Streets. “Local authorities have also become more aware of the cost savings that can be made, and many want to get involved.

“When I first developed the app, I knew what I wanted to achieve but I didn’t know that it would soon be responsible for so many environmental reports across the UK. This is an achievement for both local residents who are saving time making the reports, but also for local authorities, which are able to cut down their workloads and save money by using the app.”

The one millionth interaction was a report recorded in London, and was made by Clean Islington app user, Sarah Prior. Sarah reported a fly-tip in her local street in Islington, which was cleared after hitting the send button on her smartphone.

“I started using the app when I found out from my street supervisor that it existed,” said Sarah. “It’s easy to use and gives me confidence that the problem is being dealt with. I would absolutely recommend this to people to use when reporting any environmental issues in their town.”

James Gilchrist, Islington Council’s Head of Environmental Services, said: “Keeping the streets as clean as possible is a key priority for us, and the Clean Islington app helps us to stay on top of it. We share our residents’ frustration with fly-tippers, and this app helps unite us all in the battle to stamp out the scourge. It has been really well-received and is easy to use – we are pleased to hear that the resident was happy with our service.”

Richard McIlwain, Deputy Chief Executive at the national charity Keep Britain Tidy, said: “I want to congratulate Love Clean Streets on its one million interactions with local authorities and residents across the UK. Litter remains a huge issue that affects people and wildlife across the country. Love Clean Streets is a fantastic way to keep your local area clean and tidy, which counts towards keeping the whole country tidy. Just making one report can make a huge difference to where you live, I urge people to sign up and do their bit to keep Britain tidy!”