Chessingtonlive.co.uk, launching this week, brings together all the latest neighbourhood news, sport, events, etc, with the news and views from residents. With its striking, and easy to use, notice-board format, the site aims to bring together in one place all the information people need to make the most of local life.

What makes it unique is that the latest neighbourhood news and information will be provided by professional journalists while people living or working in Chessington, Hook and Malden Rushett will be able to use it to share their news and views with residents.

The police, Kingston Council and local organisations and sports clubs have enthusiastically welcomed the new website and are already contributing stories and information.

It is run by the same team that publishes this newspaper, which has been reporting on the Chessington area for many years.

Chief reporter David Lindsell, who has spearheaded the project, said: "There will never be enough editorial space in the paper to cover Chessington, Hook and Malden Rushett in the depth they deserve.

"Dozens of important community stories jostle to make it into the paper each week. We wanted to create somewhere residents can not only read real local news but can use it to share what is on their mind.

"This dedicated website is the ideal way to do this and together we can make life richer for everyone living or working in the area."

And Chessington Live received backing from some of the members of the community who have started using the site.

Former Chessington councillor Mary Reid, who plays a leading role in website design for the national Liberal Democrat Party, said: "The concept behind Chessington Live is brilliant – a hyper-local site that captures current issues in the Chessington postal district, and gives an online space for local people to express their views.

"Well done to the Surrey Comet for leading the way and not being afraid to innovate."

Richard Heath, chairman of the Chessington District Residents’ Association, said: "Chessington Live has already proved its worth as a means of getting important points over to those that can make a difference."

Andrew Ellis, of Chessington and Hook United Football Club, said: "Chessington Live will help us promote our club in the community as a voluntary organisation. Any and every help is greatly appreciated.

"It has the potential to communicate with all in Chessington and hopefully eliminate comments like ‘Never knew these facilities were here’."