Richmond Council has been celebrating after attracting 1,000 Twitter followers.

The council said it was currently followed by residents, journalists and even members of the House of Lords, who kept up with regular tweets about road closures during Twickenham rugby days, jobs, arts and library events and up-to-date news on current projects.

Councillor Sam Salvoni, Richmond’s cabinet member for community development, said: “I’m pleased so many people think what we have to say is worth reading about.

The council’s work does have an effect on people’s lives, so by using Twitter we can explain directly to residents what we’re doing and why we do it.

“The other very useful feature, as many of our followers know is that we regularly issue real time updates on road closures. This is information people can receive direct to their phones as it happens, which can be a lifesaver for anyone in a rush. Councils have to change with the times and Twitter is a good example of that."

To follow Richmond council's twitter feed visit twitter.com/lbrut. Follow the Richmond and Twickenham Times on twitter.com/richmondtimes.