An independent publisher has updated its news websites with fresh designs as part of a drive to increase digital engagement.

The layouts of Tindle’s sites are being modernised to improve visits across all devices and to reduce page loading times as the first step in a programme to further update its digital offerings.

Homepages have been given “cleaner” designs, navigation has been improved and other changes have been made with a view to making the websites more accessible.

Group IT director Dean Cooper is overseeing the project which will continue over the coming months.

He said: “This is the first step in a programme of ongoing enhancements, enrichment and improvement which will be coming across our services in the coming months.

“The ‘refresh’ of the websites is the first step in reshaping our digital websites to have a renewed, more modern look and feel, providing a more engaging experience and the same quality feel which our print products have always readers.

“These first enhancements make it easier for customers to get into our content quickly and to make usage easier on both mobile and desktop devices.

“We have also worked on improving the overall performance of our service which will mean that the content is shown quicker and enjoyed sooner.”

Managing director Scott Wood added: “Building upon our reputation as a community publisher with trusted ultra local news, updating our websites enables us to provide the digital services which local readers and businesses expect as the way they get their news and information continues to change.”

Tindle publishes local news brands across Surrey, Hampshire, the South West, Wales and the Isle of Man.