AS part of its commitment to communicating effectively with people and communities, Argyll and Bute Council is looking into the possibility of a dedicated digital TV-type service for the local authority area.

On Thursday 20 September, councillors agreed to progress with the ‘Looking Local’ digital media service.

Looking Local was set up by Kirklees Council seven years ago and is designed specifically to meet the needs of local authorities and public sector organisations.

Based on content from an organisation’s existing website, Looking Local presents information in a variety of ways, including digital television, web-enabled games consoles, smartphones and social media.

Viewers are able to access information about essential local services and use interactive features as well as keeping up to date with news in their area. A number of Scottish councils already use Looking Local to communicate with local people.

The council will look into obtaining the Looking Local service for use in Argyll and Bute over the coming year.

Argyll and Bute Council has also agreed to set up a short life working group to consider a number of other possibilities, including webcasting of council meetings, improved use of video conferencing and a television channel featuring news from the council, local schools and communities across the area.

Lead councillor for communications, Louise Glen-Lee, who sits on the working group, said: “This is an exciting project with real potential for improved communication with people in Argyll and Bute. It opens up access and offers increased possibilities to engage with the council and quickly access information about essential services.

“Making the best use of modern technology offers countless opportunities, especially for Argyll and Bute’s rural communities. We look forward to investigating the possibilities that this offers us in serving the people of Argyll and Bute."