Local council launches Arsenal FC match information line

Islington Council has set up a new match-day information line for local residents living around Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium.The recorded helpline was launched to make it easier for local people to get information on parking and road closures. It delivers 24-hour-per-day information on parking, road closures and public transport changes on match and event days at the stadium. Opened in July 2006, the Emirates Stadium has a capacity of 60,000, leading to a major influx of visitors to an already-busy residential area for Arsenal home matches, international friendlies and occasional concerts.

Islington Council has been working closely in partnership with Arsenal FC to ensure local residents have up-to-date, easy access to information on events. As well as the helpline, accessible by dialling 0844 931 2211, the council and club already provide information in newsletters, emails and on their websites.

The recorded information line is based on ntl:Telewest Business’s SRS (Special Rate Services) Advanced Solutions technology. By using a web interface, Islington Council can access the system and update information quickly and easily – for example it can be changed rapidly to cope if match days or kick-off times are moved at short notice.

Councillor Terry Stacy, Islington Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Arsenal, said: “The launch of our dedicated helpline provides another fast and effective way for local residents to access vital information on transport and parking. It shows our commitment to delivering the highest standards of service to our citizens by listening to their needs.”

ntl:Telewest Business has a long track record of working with the council. This solution has enabled the council to meet its requirements of deploying a low-touch solution that could be automated to handle vast amounts of messages to produce an up-to-date information helpline to callers.

Andrew Beckhaus, Head of Business Markets ntl:Telewest Business, London commented: “This innovative project demonstrates the vital importance of communications in delivering the highest levels of service in the public sector. As citizens rightly demand access to up-to-date information, 24 hours a day, an increasing number of public sector bodies are turning to helplines that can meet their needs efficiently while delivering new services. With its new match-day information line Islington Council is onto a winner for its residents.”