A GROUND-breaking internet link has been unveiled as a new weapon in the fight to save Gwent's steel communities.

The Corus Extra-net has been launched by partner agencies working to bring regeneration to areas hit by the closure of steelworks.

The innovative high tech information network will provide a secure web-link between the Welsh Development Agency (WDA), National Assembly, ELWa, the employment and benefits agencies, Careers Wales and the five local authorities involved in regenerating the communities.

The new link-up, the first of its kind, linking public sector organisations in Wales, will be designed to enable information to be shared freely between the various organisations who are working to regenerate the areas hit by Corus job losses.

Newport East AM John Griffiths, deputy minister for economic development, welcomed the initiative.

He said: "It's a good idea. We often hear about 'joined up government,' but this really is a way of joining up the different bodies who are working together on this. All the agencies involved in taking forward the strategy to deal with the redundancies they will be able to put information on and get it from it. Everyone will be aware of what everyone else is doing."

WDA spokesman Andy Phillips said: "This sort of tool is becoming standard practice in large scale building and engineering projects. It means that people don't have to call large meetings to see blueprints or what everyone else is doing. All the information is available to share.

"But this is the first time it has been used to bring together public bodies in this way. By sharing information in this way we will be able to avoid confusion and repetition."

Mr Phillips said that the system should be up and running by the end of September. It will take some time to input data and develop the layout of the information contained in the site.