Council rolls out new information service
You can now get local news direct to your smartphone as Renfrewshire Council launches a new email news service.
The new service allows people living in Renfrewshire to sign up and choose topics that they are interested in.
There are five options initially - council news roundup, a weekly what’s-on guide, schools and nurseries news, business news and Paisley town centre updates.
Available to sign-up from Wednesday on the council website, each newsletter can be read on smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs that can access emails.
Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “We know people want to know the latest news and updates on the go, and they also want to receive the news that interests them.
“We’re launching e- alerts for people who live, work and study in Renfrewshire, or are keen on visiting the area, and have produced five news options that should interest everyone.
“So, whether you are a parent of young or school- aged children, working for a local business or just interested in what’s on in the area, there will be a topic for you.
“We will be offering more options in the coming months, such as updates on bin collections, roadworks and other service information we know people will be interested in receiving. And will use feedback to make sure we are providing news and information that matters.
“To sign up, all people need to do is visit our website, enter their email address and postcode, then select the topics they want to know – and that’s it.”
E- alerts replaces the printed Renfrewshire magazine, which was sent out three times a year
Each newsletter will provide a roundup of the latest news and updates, with their frequency varying between weekly and monthly depending on the requirements of each topic.
Further phases will see automated content – such as roadwork alerts and bin collection reminders to people living in those postcodes - and further service newsletters, including schools, being developed.
This comes after free public WiFi was rolled out in Renfrew town centre.
Visitors to the burgh town now have fast and easy access to internet from key outdoor areas – as part of a wider push to make area town centres more attractive places to visit.
The Renfrewshire Council free public WiFi is active on High Street from the town hall to Queen St, and on Hairst Street/Canal Street between the junctions with Inchinnan Road and Station Road.
The service went live in the area around Johnstone High Street and Town Hall earlier this year, and will be switched on in key outdoor areas in Paisley town centre next month.
The free WiFi can also be accessed within many public buildings around the area – including town halls, libraries and council offices.
For more information and to sign up for e-alerts, visit www.renfrewshire. gov.uk/e-alerts