Thousands of workers on a Wrexham industrial estate are being urged to sign up to an innovative news service which details the latest crime and traffic problems.

Under the scheme - the first in the country - bulletins with information on criminal activity or road jams can be sent to the 7,000 people who work on the estate.

The messaging technology enables us to reach large numbers of people in a very short time Ian Massie, North Wales Police

The bulletins, which could also include news about security, chemical emergencies or flood warnings, can be received by e-mail, fax or text messages.

The service was set up after North Wales Police identified a need to provide a way of get local news to the business community quickly.

The project, which also aims to encourage improved communication between firms, is being tested over a six-month period.

Businesses can register on a new website to receive regular bulletins, and recipients can reply to their messages to make the process a two-way exchange.

Pc Ian Massie, who is part of the estate's policing initiative, explained the thinking behind the scheme.

"The website enables people to register and to find general information," he said.

The bulletins can be sent via text messages

"The messaging technology at the heart of the system enables us to reach large numbers of people in a very short time.

"We believe this pro-active element will dramatically improve our ability to communicate with users of the estate.

"This will make people more aware of potential problems and issues.

"The two-way nature of the communication system may also assist us in looking for information and witnesses," he added.

Perfect application

Richard Hollingsworth, from Tobit Software - the firm behind the computer project, said the scheme could develop if it proved successful.

"This is the first system of its kind in the country," he said.

"Our messaging technology is designed to improve business communication and so this is a perfect application.

"If the six-month trial is successful, there are a number of additional innovative services we could introduce to further develop the system," he added.