BURY'S presence on the worldwide web is now easier for people here and abroad to look at and enjoy.

The site has also been improved for people with visual impairments, and now boasts better links to other sites. And over the coming weeks, tourist information and a comprehensive section covering local businesses will appear.

The improvements have been made in partnership with In Touch Software and Services Ltd.

Councillor Sylvia Mason, chairman of communications and community development, said: "Since our website was established in 1997 it has developed and expanded to include an increasing amount of information. "The site is a wonderful tool to make the most of local authority services and gives a great deal of useful facts, figures and general information about the council, elected members and the departments.

"However, we felt the time had come to draw together all aspects of the website and provide a consistent and more user-friendly service.

"We also wanted to re-visit the links to other sites that have been established and make sure that they are fully operational and relevant.

"We are particularly pleased that our website is now extremely accessible and easier to use by visually impaired people."

Coun Mason added: "The Internet is an increasingly powerful information tool which is no longer used predominantly by the business community but is regularly accessed by individuals.

"I believe this is another major step forward in improving the council's ability to communicate and inform the largest number of people possible."

The website address is www.bury.gov.uk