WEST Devon Council officer Pierre Morel could not believe his ears when he was asked to present a paper on an innovative e-government project at a high level conference ? in Johannesburg, South Africa. IT projects manager Pierre, who lives in Tavistock, put the borough council on the international map when he attended the conference last month. He was invited by the Marcus Evans Marketing Company to attend the conference on the all-expenses paid trip. Pierre discussed the merits of combining text messaging and mapping technology relating to a pilot project on SMS in rural areas, which has been led by the council. The messaging system allows all West Devon residents to use a free notification service on their mobile phone ? for example to alert people to a new planning application in the area. Pierre, who has worked for the council for four years, said: ?It was a great opportunity to exchange views with people from a different environment, but who also share similarities with West Devon, such as the vast rural areas who lack the benefits that more urban places have. ?Whilst we are a small council, I am glad we could bring a strong contribution to this international conference.? For more information about the SMS in Rural Areas Project, go to http://www.ruralsms.org.uk">www.ruralsms.org.uk
