A star service

Residents in Hertsmere are better connected, thanks to the services provided through thiswebsite.

It was assessed by independent industry experts Socitm - Society of Communication Information Technology Management - and was awarded three, out of a possible four, stars in its 2010 Better Connected Report.

Socitm assess the websites of all councils every year, and they are marked against a number of criteria including content, accessibility and usability. The three star rating means Hertsmere is in the top quarter of all councils in the country and was highlighted specifically for its planning information.

Cllr Morris Bright, Leader of the Council and portfolio holder with responsibility for information services, said: "This is great news for residents. We recognise that not everyone has access to a computer - and therefore our website - which is why we offer a range of ways in which residents can get in touch with us and find out information.

"However, more and more people look to internet sites for help and it is important that our website offers a range of services so visitors to it can not only find out about things such as waste collections, but can also pay bills, apply for grants and find out about what is happening in their local area - and all from the comfort of their own home.

"We are very pleased the site has been rated highly. We will work hard over the coming months to tackle the areas which Socitm has suggested need attention so we can continue to improve the services we offer online for our residents, visitors to the area and local businesses."