THE new YourEly website and social media platform has already attracted more than 1,000 members, keen to get involved in the exciting initiative to promote businesses within the city.

The website - due to be officially launched by MP Sir James Paice on April 19 - enables local businesses to engage with the community and customers, and will invite views from residents on issues including the new planned retail park.

Caroline Bailey, the owner of Spa ely, is the inspiration behind YourEly. and is delighted with the positive feedback.

She said this week: “I am astounded that we already have more than 1,000 community members who have signed up and want to know more about local businesses and what they offer. We also have more than 900 ‘likes’ on Facebook and our Twitter following @Your_Ely is rapidly growing too, which is fantastic considering we haven’t launched yet.”

Since the plan was announced, many businesses have joined and a new group has been created for micro-businesses, the majority of which are home based and need to let more people know about their services.

Among the Ely community members to join is Louise Allcoat who said: “YourEly will benefit the whole community by raising awareness through social media of the variety of high quality and specialist local businesses we have literally on our doorstep. Ely is a gem and has so much to offer. We have so much to celebrate here and it is fantastic to see YourEly flying the flag in such an exciting way!”

Among the local businesses which have joined are Ely estate agents David Clark and Co. David Clark said: “YourEly is a celebration of the best independent businesses within its community. We are proud to be part of this and delighted that this initiative will help us forge stronger links within our local community.”

Business member Chris Page, of Page Fine Jewellery, added: “We believe strongly that the future success of Ely as a busy market city relies in no small part to the quality independent businesses owned and run by local people for local people.

“YourEly will help businesses communicate with the community using modern media to let them know what’s happening and what’s available to them in this great city of ours.”

For details about becoming members of YourEly, please contact Caroline on caroline@yourely.co.uk and see www.yourely.co.uk Please note this is just a holding page, the website will go live on 19 April. You can also join the growing communities on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/YourEly and Twitter @Your_Ely.