IN an attempt to breathe new life into the high streets across the North West a Knutsford web developer has launched a new website.

Joseph Murray, 51, came up with exactli.com after setting out on a mission to help small independent shops battle back against the rise of online traders.

Mr Murray hope it will also reverse the harmful effects which out of town shopping centres have had on shopkeepers.

The new website allows shop owners to upoad their details for free, including information about their goods and services, offers and events, prices, opening hours, contact details.

Consumers can then access the database and search for particular businesses or shop types in a specific town, but can also narrow down their search using the site’s sophisticated search tool.

He said: "“Businesses can add and change their details as often as they please, and then tweet links as part of their own marketing campaigns.

“The best thing though is that it’s free, and will give businesses a credible web presence able to put them in touch with existing and new customers. All retailers need a web site, and this is an easy way of getting one.

Mr Murray intends to roll out the pilot project to high streets in Cheshire and Greater Manchester, but if successful he will roll it out nationally.

“I honestly believe this could make a huge difference to every high street business struggling to bring in footfall. My wish is for every independent retailer in Knutsford to have registered by Christmas."

The scheme has been backed by the Federation of Small Businesses,

The FSB's development manager Robert Downes, said: “This is very much in step with our own Keep Trade Local campaign, and frankly any help for high streets is welcome.

"We’d urge all firms to take a look, businesses with a web presence frequently do better and that’s a fact.”