Villagers' DIY website

A STYLISH new web site packed with vital and fascinating local information has been launched in East Dean, giving local groups and organisations a global audience for their news and views.

On Tuesday, the site's expert designer Henry Branson officially declared his creation 'live', although locals from East Dean and Friston actually started using its innovative features some time ago.

Henry, an East Dean resident who runs and maintains the extensive Eastbourne Borough Council web site for a living, was keen to stress that this is not just 'another village web site'.

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'The pages on the site are written and edited on-line by the villagers themselves,' said Henry. 'Most village web sites are set up and run by one enthusiastic individual who accepts copy and pictures from the community and edits them for his site.

'Often the problem comes after a year or two, when that enthusiasm wanes or the individual moves. Then the web site is not updated and starts to look neglected.

'I wanted to have a web site that not only reflects the quality and diversity of life and leisure in the village, but also one that the villagers themselves could control.'

The site, called East Dean and Friston Online, already has 25 'web managers' representing local groups, clubs, associations and councillors, with more signing up each week.

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As well as information and reports, the site contains a live poll which allows visitors to vote on hot local issues.

The current subject for debate is: 'Should there be a speed camera on the A259 through the village?' On Wednesday, 60 votes had been registered, with 65 per cent in favour.

Picture-postcard views of local beauty spots painted by artist Camilla Crump, who lives in East Dean, can also be downloaded from the site or sent as 'e-cards' '“ greetings cards that you can e-mail to your friends and family.

Henry said: 'The web site is still being developed, and will not contain only parish news and events but also feature downland walks, local flora and fauna, exchange and mart, neighbourhood watch and a discussion zone '“ today's version of "over the garden fence".

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'East Dean and Friston has a thriving and active local community, and this web site will help to boost and promote that community further.'

East Dean and Friston Online can be visited at www.eastdeanvillage.org.uk