New initiative i4Cumbria has been shortlisted for the Cumbria Business Awards 2007, less than 3 months after it launched in the area.

i4Cumbria, delivered by Derwent & Solway Housing Association in partnership with West Lakes Renaissance, the North West Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund, is an internet portal offering local people free access to information about public services and activities in the surrounding area.

i4Cumbria has been launched with those who are not used to accessing the internet in mind.

With free use being offered on computers in libraries and community centres around Cumbria, i4Cumbria provides information on all areas such as employment, education, housing, public services, resources for young people, lifestyle and culture clearly and easily.

Nick Kennon from Derwent & Solway said:

“This is the Internet in its most accessible form so that people of all ages and abilities can find the information they want at the click of a button.

i4Cumbria is meeting a very real need throughout the area, and we’re delighted to have been shortlisted for an award at this early stage.”

Derwent & Solway and its partners are always looking for ways to improve and develop the service and are asking people to get in touch to let them know what they’d like to see as part of the i4Cumbria website by contacting Nick Kennon on 01900 607500 or nick.kennon@harvesthousing.org.uk

Everyone involved in i4Cumbria now waits to hear the results of the Cumbria Business Awards, which will be announced on Thursday 29 November at the Hundith Hill Hotel Cockermouth.

To take a look at i4Cumbria please visit the computers at your local library or log onto www.i4cumbria.co.uk