The idea is simple: make it easier to find useful local things in one place. Businesses, groups, events, charities, clubs, classes, local articles, offers, volunteer requests and the sort of information you usually end up hunting for across three Facebook posts, an old leaflet and someone’s half-remembered comment in Longwater car park.
Costessey.net is independent. It is not a council website (you can view that here!), and it is not trying to be one. It is more of a practical community noticeboard for everyday local life: where to go, who to contact, what is happening, and what local people are building, offering or organising.
The site is starting small, but hopefully useful. You can browse the local directory, check upcoming events, read local articles, find offers from nearby businesses and submit your own content. If you run a business, charity, group, class, venue or useful service, please add a listing. If you know about an event, submit it. If you fancy writing something helpful or interesting for local people, send in an article too. All of it helps make the website better.
There is also an option for sponsored listings. Sponsorship is completely optional, and free listings remain available. Sponsored listings are simply a way for local businesses and organisations to get a little extra visibility while helping cover the running costs of the site. Hosting, email tools and admin bits are not wildly glamorous, but sadly they do insist on costing money.
Most of all, I want Costessey.net to feel useful, friendly and genuinely local. If something is missing, add it. If something is wrong, tell me. If you have an idea, send it over. The more people use it, the better it becomes.
Thanks for helping build Costessey.net.