The law should be changed to give statutory notices posted on the internet the same legal status as those in local newspapers, according to the founder of a new website.

Andrew Bullen, managing director of Public Notices UK, aims to secure the support of a Conservative MP to sponsor a private member’s bill to introduce the change.

Bullen, who has set up a website on which local authorities can display notices, said: ‘Displaying the notices online would be more efficient, cheaper, and would make the adverts more accessible for those with visual impairments.’

The law currently requires statutory advertisements that inform local residents of issues, including planning or licensing applications, to be published in the local newspaper. However, a Solicitors in Local Government spokesman said the law should not be changed, even though it could save councils money, because not everyone had internet access and it would create accessibility problems.