Kier’s strategic business improvement director, Jackie Ducker, said: “At Kier we aim to be as accessible to our customers as possible and have developed the Kier Repairs app as an additional, free service working alongside existing methods to make Kier even more accessible and increase choice for our customers.

“We look forward to working closely with all our clients to roll this service out to customers across the rest of the country.”

The app has been designed to further simplify the repair reporting process and includes a camera function allowing customers to take a picture of the issue they are reporting.

This not only helps the customer in accurately describing the issue, but also saves the call centre time in diagnosing how to repair and, on some occasions, they will be able to offer solutions over the phone rather than asking a Kier operative to come out.

It also overcomes some language barriers for tenants who may find it difficult to converse over the telephone.

Jane Steer, a Harlow tenants’ representative and member of the repairs service improvement panel, said: “Harlow tenants are delighted to support this new venture.

“The app means that tenants can photograph a problem, describe what is wrong and book a suitable time for the repair to be carried out – so saving themselves and Kier both time and, in many cases, money.”