A COUNCIL has been recognised for having one of the best-performing websites in the country in a national report.

Rochford District Council has been given three-star status by the Society of Information Technology Management who surveyed 433 council websites across the country.

The ratings, which go up to four star, are given to sites that give residents and businesses information easily as well as provide forms for payments and applications.

Rochford District Council's website, www.rochford.gov.uk, can be used to apply for planning permission, pay council tax and business rates, report graffiti, or even pay a parking penalty.

Jill Lucas-Gill, councillor responsible for service development, said: “It’s wonderful that such a high-profile organisation like the Society of Information Technology Management recognises the ongoing improvements to our website.

“Giving our residents quick and easy access to the services they need is the most important aim of our website and we are continually working to improve it.

“We hope the public continue to let us know if there are other improvements they would like to see and they can do this by using the ‘Contact the Council’ option on the front page of our website.”