Improved digital TV service launched by council (From Yeovil Express)

Improved digital TV service launched by council

6:30pm Friday 3rd July 2009

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THOUSANDS of job vacancies and a brand new what’s on guide are now just a remote control button-click away thanks to an improved digital TV service being launched by South Somerset District Council.

Users of the new ‘Digi TV’ site can search a real time national Jobcentre database, find out about upcoming youth, play and sporting events, report issues such as fly-tipping and even book a doctor’s appointment directly through their television.

Over 70% of homes now own at least one digital TV and the district council is hoping the site will provide another way for people to access job opportunities and find out about local facilities and upcoming events, especially in the current difficult financial times.

Dawn Haydon, communications officer at South Somerset District Council, said: “We felt that now would be a good time to expand the services offered on our Digi TV site.

"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.”

The site received over 8,000 hits last year but more interactive services have recently been added as part of an improvement scheme that coincides with the ongoing ‘digital switchover’ across the country.

South Somerset’s new Looking Local site is available on Sky TV by pressing the “Interactive” button, selecting the “TV Keys” option, typing “LOCAL” (56225), then selecting the South West region.

Virgin Media, Freesat, BT Vision, mobile phones with internet connection and Freeview TV’s with modem connections can also access the site.

Cllr Tim Carroll, leader of South Somerset District Council, said: "The idea of the Digi TV 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 Digi TV as it often means the same tasks can be done but without having to fire up the computer and connect.

"The Digi TV service provides new opportunities for people to get in touch.”

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