Comments posted by readers on a daily newspaper’s website have been used by its local council as part of a consultation process into a school expansion.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has used five postings taken from a story run on the Lancashire Telegraph’s website and included them in its consultation document.

The Telegraph says it is the first time in Lancashire that comments have been used in such a way and its website lancashiretelegraph.co.uk has become “a real online community with hundreds of postings every day”.

Councillor Chris Thayne, executive member for children’s services at the council, said: “We were fortunate that the Lancashire Telegraph had published a story about the public consultation and the public meeting that had taken place.

“We had included the five online responses as we wanted council members to be aware of all views submitted.

“It is not standard practice, but on this occasion it was done within the context of seeking even further views from the wider community that may have opinions on the proposals.

“We had already carried out our own extensive public consultation.”

Lancashire Telegraph Editor Kevin Young said: “This move shows the growing influence of our online audience on decision makers and we are delighted that the council has recognised this.”

Comments

Observer (09/04/2010 10:33:30)
Careful, drunken rants on newspaper websites will be used to decide the general election if we’re not careful. And I’d be very worried if I was a football manager.

Observer (09/04/2010 10:37:59)
And another thing – why has HTFP done nothing on Sly Bailey’s astonishing pay rise? Go on, tell us she hasn’t leaned on you to make sure you don’t mention it.