NORFOLK County Council has scooped the largest share of a �620,000 pot to develop online information directly aimed at local communities.The county council was awarded �100,000 from the government's Timely Information to Citizens project, to initially create four community specific sites as part of a one-year pilot project.

NORFOLK County Council has scooped the largest share of a �620,000 pot to develop online information directly aimed at local communities.

The county council was awarded �100,000 from the government's Timely Information to Citizens project, to initially create four community specific sites as part of a one-year pilot project.

Information for the interactive sites will come from a variety of sources including the county council, district and parish councils - and local people themselves.

Daniel Cox, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “Norfolk County Council is committed to making sure that all its residents are well informed about services they are entitled to - and have an opportunity to influence decisions made in their local area which is why we wanted to be part of this project.

“At the moment there are a number of ways people can access information about services available in their local areas or have their say. The aim of this pilot project is to create 'community specific' sites where people will be able to find real time information about everything provided locally, all in one place.

“One of the aims will be to make the sites as interactive as possible. We don't just want a list of council services but want to encourage people to put information online themselves, local blogs, for example, or maybe information or reviews of local events.

“We now be working closely with community groups to find out what people really want and what they would like to see on their local site. We aim to have something up and running by the autumn.”

Under the national pilot scheme, announced by communities secretary Hazel Blears, a mix of ten councils in rural and urban areas share �620,000, with Norfolk receiving the largest amount.

For further information about Timely Information to Citizens and the other successful bids visit www.communities.gov.uk.