FULWOOD is at the forefront of the internet revolution - it's the only area in the country to boast its own community site!

The site, which was launched by resident Simon Brown in July, is already taking off, with locals logging on to check out community news, while ex-pats from the affluent Preston suburb are also checking out to keep in touch with what is happening.

The concept of community websites, which people believe will one day replace the parish notice board as the main point of information, are already commonplace in America as people opt to log on to the 'net rather than leave the house.

However the scheme is yet to take off in this country, but Simon believes his idea, which he describes as a labour of love, will provide a valuable service to the district.

Simon, of Highgate Avenue, said: "At the moment we give people the history of the area and tell them things which are happening. People have the chance to put information of their own on the site.

"It is like a notice board in one way, providing people all they need to know on the net."

So far the site is getting about 60 'hits' per week, and local companies are also asking for their details to be put on the site.

Simon added: "It doesn't make money yet. It is more a labour of love but schools, local community groups and firms are all asking to go on so hopefully it will become even more popular.

"They are incredibly popular in America but I think they can only be used in certain areas in this country. I reckon 75 per cent of homes in Fulwood have computers or internet access so it made sense to create a web site boasting about the area.

"Preston has a lot of sites, but I felt it was time to promote Fulwood. It gives residents the chance to put their own pieces on the world wide web when, in the past, they would not have had the chance."

You can check out the site at www.fulwood.com.

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