AN ONLINE platform launching this weekend hopes better connect people in Swindon to local shops and services.

In Swindon will initially launch as a website and Facebook to bring small and large businesses together and act like an official directory for anyone looking for a local service in town.

Founder and developer Linzie Coen, 26, is hoping the new platform will give a boost to businesses which don't already have an online presence and help shoppers find what they're looking for more easily.

"There are too many facebook groups promoting unregulated businesses, too many out of date Google results and no easy and quick way of finding who you need," said Linzie.

"We bring the people and the businesses together with ease. At the moment there is no dedicated place for finding this.”

The Facebook page and web platform will help those looking for services to discover new businesses and will handle requests from users looking for specific or niche services.

“There are so many businesses in and around Swindon that people never get to hear about or use. I want to make sure more local people are known about.” added Jane.

"Nowadays people will use Google to find what they're looking for, but the trouble is they will only go for the top five results, and that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best.

"The website is very mobile friendly so if you're looking at it on your phone its really easy to use. We are working at developing the web platform into an app as well."

In Swindon will be free for businesses to join until February 2019 and then will only cost £10 a month for membership.

Members will also get a free monthly online catalogue showing any promotional offers businesses have on.

The website is looking for new businesses to sign up and can be found at www.wantedinswindon.co.uk and the Facebook group is at www.facebook.com/groups/inswindon.