Calls to introduce more online engagement for residents to report problems with their streets in Greenwich have been rejected.

Proposals were made for Greenwich Council to introduce a Street Maps scheme similar to one used in nearby Lewisham.

Opposition leader Matt Hartley put the idea to the chamber to “crowdsource” ideas for improvements and identify problems for streets in the borough.

The scheme was used in Lewisham where it generated more than 2,170 ideas over six weeks during the summer.

The idea would have had residents report problems such as potholes and fly-tipping or advice on how council cash is spent to improve their roads.

Council leader Dan Thorpe has previously played down the idea of adopting a similar service, and said last night that online platforms were not the only way to engage with residents.

Cllr Thorpe said: “We are absolutely committed to being accountable and engaging with communities but the problem with this approach is that the one-size-fits-all that you talk about doesn’t really work.

“When we look across the engagement and making us more accountable, the fact is we shouldn’t be hiding behind an online platform. We should be out and engaging.

“We should be talking to faith leaders and hosting walkabouts. We should see it first-hand.

“We are doing a lot to change the way we engage, we are being more active online but this is not the only answer.

“I suggest that we talk about other ideas that you have but we are not going to be a council that hides behind an online platform, we will do things differently and represent our communities.”

The council does already use online engagements to get ideas for smaller, more localised projects in some parts of the borough.

Labour councillors voted last night against introducing a Greenwich Street Ideas Map.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Hartley said: “I was genuinely disappointed that Labour councillors voted our proposals to improve the way the council engages with residents – particularly as the approach we would like to see is actually the one being taken by their own Labour colleagues in Lewisham.

“Instead of asking residents for their views on narrow aspects of plans that are already decided, in only certain parts of the borough, we should be much bolder.

“An online street map that allows residents to contribute their ideas would be a really useful tool – and I hope the Labour leadership will reconsider its opposition to the plan.”