"We felt that now would be a good time to expand the services offered on our Looking Local site," Dawn Haydon, the South Somerset District Council's communications officer says. "People can use their remote control or their mobile phone to go to South Somerset's 'Looking Local' site, find out answers to popular questions such as what needs planning permission and how to apply for benefits, request for leaflets to be sent to their home address and search for local bus times or job vacancies.

"We have also added a 'what's on' and leisure section. What's even better is that the job section is maintained by Jobcentre Plus so people can see new jobs as and when they become available without delay."

Tim Carroll, leader of the South Somerset District Council added: "The idea of the Looking Local site is to make our services available to as many people as possible in the easiest ways possible, especially to those who may not have a computer. Having basic information on what we do for the public at the press of a button is an excellent service and it works well. I am confident that the site is making a real difference to those who have discovered it.

"We have processed a number of requests so far that have come from the site, and the system has run smoothly. In this rural area of the country, it is even more important that we as the district council focus on reaching people in different ways. Research has also showed that those who do have PC's still use DiTV as it often means the same tasks can be done but without having to fire up the computer and connect. The Looking Local service provides new opportunities for people to get in touch."

To read more on South Somerset's relaunch click here