RESIDENTS, community groups and businesses in Whitehill and Bordon have a new, state-of-the-art, community information service literally at their finger tips. Launched by the town partnership group this week, the new community information bureau on-line service, http://www.gu35.info">www.gu35.info contains up- to-the-minute local news, event information business and community group listings. The site also provides users with links to a variety of relevant district, regional and national websites which include town council data, local travel bulletins and bus timetable information. The new website is the brainchild of town partnership group member Nigel Welch. He said: "One of the key findings from the town's 'Healthcheck' last year was the lack of a definitive source of local information or directory of local services. "The idea for a 'community information bureau' came out of the very early deliberations of the town partnership group. "By November 2004, we had formed a sub- group which included representation from The Herald Group, Mill Chase, the Community Hall, the Bordon Charity as well as Whitehill Town and Hampshire County Council. "By the end of January we had assessed the challenge that lay ahead of us – the main aspect of which was obtaining the data for the launch and convincing local businesses that they should join in and support a local venture . "With start-up funding subsequently obtained for us by Tony Corbin, our Hampshire County Council town project officer, we were able to create a prototype in time for the business breakthrough launch at the garrison on March 16. "This was a great shop window for us with a number of the 100 businesses that attended providing us with valuable feedback." Mr Welch and his colleagues are determined that http://www.gu35.info">www.gu35.info is not just a five minute wonder and have designed into the community information bureau a number of service features that should ensure that http://www.gu35.info">www.gu35.info has a long-term sustainable future. Mr Welch said: "With the help of East Hampshire District Council, we have included in the first release of http://www.gu35.info">www.gu35.info a list of registered local business organisations by their business category, and we can priovide links to their websites, too. The general manager of The Herald Group, Rosie Prior, was very enthusiastic about the launch of the website. She said: "As a resident of the area, I take a particular interest in what's going on in Bordon and Whitehill and believe there is great potential for expansion. "The Herald fully supports http://www.gu35">www.gu35 and believes it's a great way to bring the community together. It's informative and designed specifically for the people of Bordon and Whitehill but it needs support from businesses and residents alike. "The Bordon Herald and Delta Radio are delighted to be participating in this new and exciting venture and wish the organisers and the town every success." The local website has also gained approval at county level. Michael Woodhall, the deputy leader of Hampshire County Council and executive member for economic development, said: "I saw the prototype when I came along as a guest speaker at the Business Breakthrough launch in March. "I was impressed then, but what's been achieved since is marvellous and should be of real, lasting benefit to the people and businesses of Whitehill and Bordon. "Getting the local media involved, as one of the sponsors, is a real coup too. Also I was pleased to see the links to existing information providers such as the district and county council and the recently launched HCC e.VOLve Community & Voluntary Director.," In closing, Mr Welch added: "Our biggest challenge will be obtaining the data from the local community. "In some areas, this information is still quite sparse. So to community group leaders in particular, I say, take a look at the site and please let us have information about your group and its activities so we can add you to our list. "It's a facility for the community that will only do its job if we get the local community's support."
