29 May 2007

Improved accessibility and uncomplicated navigation have helped the website of Southampton City Council to win praise from the Society of Information Technology Management (Socitm).

The portal is informative, vibrant and easy to read, the website watchdog reported.

Its simplicity was also commended, with one user with limited dexterity saying: "This is one of the easier sites I have ever tested so there is nothing really I would want to improve."

Southampton City Council relaunched its website last October, after it was redesigned.

Ever since, it has shown a steady increase in the number of visitors engaging with the website online.

Judi Guy, E-Communications Officer at the council, said the Socitm results are "great" and that the watchdog has given the team behind the website "constructive feedback" for future progress.

Earlier this month, Southampton Children's Information Service won an award as the best family-friendly website.

Judges from independent charity ACE said the website was "impressive" as it featured up-to-date information and various language options.

"It sent an immediate message of accessibility and openness," they added.

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