A network of hyperlocal websites set up last summer has launched a dedicated iPhone application to provide “local content on the move.”

The 70 ‘localpeople’ community sites were established in the South-West and South-East by Associated Northcliffe Digital, the digital consumer division of DMGT.

The sites, overseen by a team of community publishers, have proved “extremely popular” according to AND with localpeople users generating more than 30,000 pieces of content across the platform and posting thousands of reviews of shops, bars, restaurants and other local services.

During January, the network reached 25pc of the local online households in the catchment areas served by the sites.

Roland Bryan, managing director of localpeople, said: “The success of the initial launch phase in terms of traffic and engagement show that there’s real desire amongst local communities for this type of platform.

“The launch of the iPhone app further extends the service and adds value to the overall localpeople offering, and is also the first mobile app to deliver dedicated news and information to these communities.”

The new free-to-download iPhone app replicates the most used features of the websites, and for most of the localpeople communities is the first app dedicated to providing news and information services to these towns.

It enables users to access local news from each of the communities localpeople serves, as well as information on local restaurants, bars, hotels, local tradesmen, shops and services.