A NEW smartphone app which promises to change the way people explore Weston has been officially launched.

Weston Mercury: Mascot Bla the alienMascot Bla the alien (Image: Archant)

North Somerset Big Local App, which offers residents and visitors the chance to access a range of information about the area on the go, is now available to download.

Its creators hope that the app could eventually help protect vulnerable people in the town centre by making it easier to instantly call taxis on nights out, or improve hotel searching by offering a 4G photo walkthrough of available accommodation.

App owner Kevin Carter said: “The mayor and mayoress were both excited about the launch of the app and were enthusiastic of the value the app could add to both local businesses and the tourism industry in the town.

“The launch was a massive success, ably supported by our fantastic promotions team we handed out over 2,000 balloons and met hundreds of local people and tourists alike, all of whom felt the app to be of huge benefit in accessing local information.”

“With around 60 per cent of all internet traffic now directed over mobile phones and approximately 40 per cent of those searches being locally-based, the arrival of North Somerset Big Local App has come at an important time in the development of mobile phone technology.”

For more information go to https://northsomerset.biglocalapp.com