deeside com

September 29, 2024

**Deeside.com: A Community-Driven News Platform**

In today’s fast-paced digital age, local news often gets overshadowed by national and international headlines. However, community-centered platforms like Deeside.com serve a critical role in ensuring residents of smaller regions remain well-informed and engaged. Launched in 2014, Deeside.com is an independent online news and information website dedicated to the towns and villages around Deeside in Flintshire, North Wales. The platform has successfully built a loyal audience by covering a wide range of topics, including local news, events, public safety, and business developments.

### The Genesis of Deeside.com

Deeside.com was created with a clear mission: to provide accurate, timely, and relevant information to the local community. As an independent news outlet, the website operates without the backing of larger media conglomerates, which allows it to focus solely on issues that matter to Deeside and its neighboring areas. The website serves a conurbation of towns and villages near the River Dee, including Connah's Quay, Shotton, Queensferry, and Garden City. It also covers neighboring areas in Flintshire and Cheshire, making it a critical hub of information for the local population.

### Local News at the Heart of the Community

One of the most significant advantages of Deeside.com is its focus on hyper-local news. National news organizations often overlook smaller communities, but Deeside.com ensures that its readers are well-informed about what is happening in their own neighborhoods. Whether it is the latest development on the £1 billion investment in Shotton Mill or the ongoing police investigations in Flintshire, the platform provides in-depth coverage of news that directly impacts the people of Deeside.

For example, one of the recent highlights was the announcement of a £1 billion investment in Shotton Mill, which will transform the site into a global leader in sustainable paper production. This development is expected to safeguard 147 jobs and create 220 additional positions, a major boost for North Wales’ economy. Deeside.com covered this story extensively, ensuring that residents understood the economic and employment implications of the project.

### Breaking News and Real-Time Updates

Deeside.com is particularly adept at breaking news stories. The website frequently posts updates on incidents as they happen, providing a real-time service to its readership. For instance, the site recently covered a traffic incident that took place on Mercia Drive, offering detailed information about the event and urging witnesses to come forward. This level of immediacy is essential for a community-driven news outlet, as it helps keep residents informed about important developments that could impact their daily lives.

### Comprehensive Coverage of Public Safety and Government

Another area where Deeside.com excels is its coverage of public safety and government matters. From crime reports to updates on local council decisions, the platform ensures that its readers are aware of key issues affecting the community. Recently, the website reported on the Flintshire Council’s refusal of plans to transform the former Gateway to Wales hotel site in Garden City due to concerns over traffic congestion. Such coverage provides residents with a clear understanding of how local government decisions may affect their surroundings and livelihoods.

The website also follows significant political developments in Wales, including issues discussed in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament). For example, it recently reported on plans by the Senedd Commission to increase the budget by 16% in preparation for the addition of 36 new politicians by 2026. This type of reporting helps the community stay engaged with broader political decisions that have the potential to shape their future.

### Supporting Local Businesses and the Economy

Deeside.com plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy by covering business news and showcasing local enterprises. The platform often highlights investment opportunities, new business openings, and key economic developments in the region. For instance, the platform’s coverage of the Shotton Mill redevelopment not only highlighted the job opportunities created by the project but also emphasized the broader economic benefits for North Wales.

In addition to large-scale developments, Deeside.com provides coverage of smaller businesses and entrepreneurs. The website regularly publishes features on local shops, eateries, and services, offering them valuable exposure to the local audience. By supporting local businesses, Deeside.com fosters a sense of community and encourages residents to shop and invest locally, helping to strengthen the economy.

### Engaging the Community Through Social Media

Deeside.com leverages social media platforms to expand its reach and engage with the local community. The website maintains an active presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), Instagram, and YouTube. With over 21,000 followers on Facebook and 13,600 followers on Twitter, Deeside.com has built a strong online community. These platforms allow the website to interact with its readers directly, providing real-time updates on news stories, local events, and community initiatives.

The website’s Instagram account, with over 2,700 followers, is another example of how Deeside.com connects with its audience. Through posts and stories, the platform shares photos, videos, and important updates, fostering a visually engaging way for people to stay informed. Deeside.com’s active social media presence ensures that it can reach a wide range of people, from older residents who rely on Facebook to younger audiences engaging through Instagram and Twitter.

### A Platform for Local Voices

One of the most important roles that Deeside.com plays is providing a platform for local voices. The website encourages community members to contribute their own stories, opinions, and perspectives. This could include anything from a personal experience at a local event to an editorial about a pressing issue facing the region. By offering this platform, Deeside.com allows residents to share their stories with a broader audience, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.

### Future Prospects for Deeside.com

Since its launch in 2014, Deeside.com has grown significantly, establishing itself as a trusted source of news and information for the region. As the platform continues to evolve, it is likely to expand its coverage further, offering even more in-depth reporting on issues that matter to the community. With North Wales experiencing economic growth and increased investment, Deeside.com is poised to play an even more critical role in keeping residents informed and engaged.

The platform’s independence ensures that it remains focused on serving the local community without external influence, which is becoming increasingly rare in today’s media landscape. By maintaining this level of independence and continuing to prioritize local news, Deeside.com will likely remain a vital resource for the people of Deeside for years to come.

In conclusion, Deeside.com stands as a shining example of what community-driven journalism can achieve. Through its dedication to local news, public safety, government reporting, and business coverage, the platform serves as an indispensable resource for the residents of Deeside and surrounding areas.