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Ref: 282/07 16 July 2007
Using A Cheshire Net To Access EC Facts
Cheshire has launched a countywide Europe Direct service to strengthen local links with the European Commission in London and Brussels.
A meeting of 150 professionals hosted by Chester City Council attracted representatives involved in European projects from Cheshire, the NW, Whitehall and other European country partners.
Launching the new service, John Weeks, County Council Director of Community Services, said
That public awareness was vitally important if there was to be informed debate and decision making about the UK as a European Union member.
He said Cheshire Europe Direct joined 29 other UK centres in providing drop-in centres where members of the public can get information on what the EU does and how it affects their daily lives.
Explained Mr Weeks, “Across the EU there are 400 Europe Direct centres, to which the Cheshire service will be directly linked.
“With Brussels and London seeming quite remote to many people, it's vital to have that local link so that people can find out for themselves about the European Union.“
He explained how Cheshire’s Europe Direct service served as a local point where members of the public, and organisations, can get help in:
• finding out about any aspect of the European Union: living, working or studying in other EU countries
• obtaining details of their MEP
• exploring EU funding programmes and how EU monies have been spent in the North West or elsewhere
• becoming aware of the EU and opportunities available and activities that reach different sections of our communities
• giving feedback to the EC local concerns.
The European Commission provides London and Brussels based staff to coordinate exchange programmes; a dedicated Intranet and publications. Dominic Brett, Head of Outreach for the European Commission’s UK office attended the Chester event.
Cheshire is using a two-pronged approach for its Europe Direct Cheshire service involving the County‘s Library Services and Network, and its External Funding & European Team.
The Libraries Service will provide the main focal point for the public with the hub of Europe Direct Cheshire at Ellesmere Port Library, with trained information specialists able to access traditional and online reference resources to answer enquiries.
Europe Direct Cheshire can be accessed through 14 Information Point Libraries across Cheshire including Chester library, each with staff available to assist the public. In addition there are 214 PCs in 39 Cheshire libraries available for public access and access to the Internet.
The Library Information Network for Cheshire, also based at Ellesmere Port Library, also disseminates information to all libraries in Cheshire, High Schools, Youth Hubs, Information Centres and libraries in Warrington Unitary Authority area.
The County Council’s External Funding & European Unit, based in Chester and Brussels helps to organise the outreach side of Cheshire Europe Direct.
Europe Direct Cheshire will also be an excellent means to encourage networking between groups and other information outlets. It will support the growth of the Cheshire & Warrington European network.
Eurosceptics have been promised the Commission does not, and will not, "own" the Europe Direct centre and the Cheshire service is free to distribute whatever information it wishes and will represent a diverse range of views on the European Union.
Ends
Note to Editors: For further details please contact Cheshire County Council’s Director of Community Services, John Weeks on 01244 603201.
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