Chaos as council computer crashes

On Thursday the council were unaware of the full extent of the damage and were unable to confirm whether the data had been backed-up.

At least one crisis meeting has already been held and staff are working furiously to resolve the issue.

The environmental health department has been affected and there are reports that the problem may be further reaching.

Richard Parker-Harding, head of Environmental Health at the council, said: "The failure is very regrettable but is something way beyond the council's control. I can only apologise on behalf of the council for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers and licence holders. We are trying to get the normal high standard of service reinstated as soon as possible but we have to accept that in the meantime this may cause problems to some of our customers."

The department deals with lotteries, gaming, dog fouling, animal licences, complaints about taxis, rubbish, drains, noise nuisances and pest control orders.

Residents who have contacted the environmental health service in the last month and have not received a response, should contact the council again, on 01424 787550 or by email: [email protected]