Sutton Council has launched an innovative online community and is calling on residents to sign up and help shape public campaigns.

Called MySutton, the website provides residents with a platform to discuss borough issues such as barriers to recycling, regular exercise or fostering and adoption, or what could help more parents access free childcare.

Their discussions will be monitored by the council to provide a unique insight into people’s views that can help to shape council policy and campaigns.

It is the first time the online tool has been used by a local authority in the UK. It is currently used by private sector companies such as British Airways to design aspects of their service including first class cabins.

MySutton is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough. To sign up online visit: https://localsay.communispace.com/mysutton.

The council hopes to eventually gather a community of up to 800 citizens.

Those signing up will find a range of questions to complete. This information will be used to make sure we are asking a representative sample of borough residents on particular issues.

Cllr Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said:

“I’m proud that Sutton is working to provide innovative solutions in the way we communicate with the people we serve. We’re committed to providing great service for our residents and we want to lead the way in digital engagement with those people who prefer to communicate with us online. The MySutton project is an extension of our work showing residents of all ages how to use digital technologies and get the best out of them in every aspect of their lives.”