Air Quality Management magazine examined all 428 local authority websites across the country to judge their air quality web pages. They assessed each site on two key factors, awarding marks out of five for quality of information and ease of use. In particular they looked at whether the air quality pages of the site are welcoming and logical, how much information is carried and whether this is kept up to date. They also judged the site on how easy it would be for a casual 'surfer' to find the air quality pages. Waverley's website provides in-depth information on air pollution in the area and covers topics such as general air quality, readings from the previous month, overviews of general trends affecting the region as well as information about what residents can do about pollution from motor vehicles.
Councillor Ken Reed, Waverley's portfolio holder for e-government, explains: "Waverley's was one of only five council websites to receive top marks in both categories. Waverley was praised for the way its pages bring the issue of air quality in the borough to life by providing news and maps showing regional air quality. The web pages were also commended for the way they make the information easy for members of the public to digest through short, concise pieces of explanatory text."
Councillor Ken Reed adds: "We are delighted to receive this recognition for the quality and accessibility of our online air quality monitoring pages.
This accolade is evidence that Waverley is committed to providing residents with clear information on our services and offering a high standard of service to website visitors to enable them to get quick, easy access to up to date information."
Waverley's air quality website can be found at: www.waverley.gov.uk/airquality.
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Note to editors
The other four local authorities with top marks in both categories were; overall winners Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Brighton and Hove City Council, Chiltern District Council, and Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council.
Quelle: Press Information Waverley Borough Council, 12.10.2005
