THE Okehampton Works initiative led by Devon County Council is using government funding to provide support and additional free internet access for people in the town looking for work.

The work supported by this government funding will complement activities already undertaken to help those finding it difficult to find employment.

Earlier this year the county council put together an information pack to help those looking for work, with information on the Okehampton Works Partnership and the help available.

The pack contains information on what support is available if you are made redundant, seeking work, and with other matters including money matters and family issues.

The project has also provided two new Information Kiosks which will be monitored by West Devon Citizens' Advice Bureau, and will enable job seekers to access the pack online as well as other sites directly relevant to finding a job or associated advice. These are located in the Ockment Centre and in Hatherleigh Community Centre.

Devon's cabinet member for economy, Will Mumford, chairs the Okehampton Works Partnership.

He said: 'The situation in Okehampton called for a rapid response from many organisations and we hope that we have been able to provide support and help to those affected, however there is more work to be done and it's important that residents have as much information as possible to help them through these difficult times.'

County, borough and town councillor Christine Marsh said: 'I am also working closely with the Chamber of Trade and Town Council to support all of those agencies who are collectively making a difference.

'There is still some way to go, but we are here to support all of our residents.'

The partnership was set up last year to respond to the immediate impact of the series of redundancies in Okehampton last year.

In order to address the medium and longer term issues, Devon County Council convened a partnership of the relevant local bodies and government agencies, including Jobcentre plus.

They agreed an action plan which included the Okehampton Works pack, the Opportunity Okehampton business site, and other infrastructure elements including developing improved broadband and transport links.

The information pack can be accessed online at devon.gov.uk/okehampton-works or hard copies can be found in Okehampton Library and the Ockment Centre, Chagford Library, Hatherleigh Community Centre and other places in the parishes surrounding Okehampton.