A NEW online public notices platform has been launched on the Chard and Ilminster News website.

Newsquest Media Group, the leading local media group which publishes newspapers including your Chard and Ilminster News, has announced the launch of a new online public notices platform that enables the public to be better informed about local decisions.

Every decision a council makes can affect the lives of local people – be it their quality of life, property, local services or amenities.

The new platform delivers added value to local councils by extending the reach of their statutory notices in print, to the huge digital audiences of Newsquest’s local websites such as the Chard and Ilminster News many of which now reach over 70 per cent of their local population.

Complementing improved visibility and transparency online, the public can also be kept informed of local council decisions across any of their preferred mobile or tablet devices, as the site is fully responsive.

Key features include:

• Hyperlocal search – search by distance and local authority

• Email alerts – set multiple locations and receive relevant notices

• Two-way conversation and social media sharing – share, comment, write to your MP or council for each notice

• Dedicated local authority pages – view notices by council and access their contact details.

Future updates will include information on council services, news and updates

To see the platform go to: chardandilminsternews.co.uk/announcements/public_notices/

Henry Faure Walker, Chief Executive, Newsquest Media Group, said: “In order to make sure the public is kept properly informed it’s essential that local councils and government bodies continue to use their local newspaper to advertise their notices in print and online.

“Our local news websites now regularly reach over 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the population of their local towns and cities.

“There is no media platform with this scale of local audience penetration and no better place for local authorities to communicate with their local residents.”