PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: 7 June 2026

Ellesmere Port News ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit www.ellesmere-port-news.com ("Website").

1. WHO WE ARE

Ellesmere Port News is an independent community news website serving Ellesmere Port and surrounding areas.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us through the contact details provided on our Website.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We may collect the following information:

Information You Provide

• Name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Information submitted through contact forms
• News tips and story submissions
• Photographs, videos, and other media you choose to provide
• Any other information you voluntarily send to us

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited
• Date and time of visits
• Referring websites
• Website usage statistics

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We may use your information to:

• Respond to enquiries and messages
• Review and publish story submissions
• Improve our Website and services
• Maintain Website security
• Monitor Website performance and analytics
• Send updates if you have requested them
• Comply with legal obligations

We only use personal information where we have a lawful basis to do so.

4. LAWFUL BASIS FOR PROCESSING

We process personal information under one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Consent
• Legitimate interests
• Contractual necessity
• Legal obligations

5. STORY SUBMISSIONS AND MEDIA

If you submit photographs, videos, articles, or other content to us:

• You confirm you have permission to provide the content.
• You confirm you have permission from any identifiable individuals where required.
• You grant Ellesmere Port News permission to review, store, edit, and publish the content.

Published content may remain publicly accessible unless removal is legally required.

6. COOKIES

Our Website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve Website functionality
• Remember user preferences
• Analyse Website traffic
• Enhance user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings.

Some Website features may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.

7. ANALYTICS

We may use analytics services to understand how visitors use our Website.

Analytics information is generally collected in an aggregated form and is used to improve Website performance and content.

8. SHARING YOUR INFORMATION

We do not sell personal information.

We may share information with:

• Website hosting providers
• Technical service providers
• Analytics providers
• Legal authorities when required by law

Any third-party providers are expected to protect information appropriately.

9. DATA RETENTION

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services
• Fulfil the purposes described in this Policy
• Meet legal, accounting, or regulatory requirements

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised where practical.

10. DATA SECURITY

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information from:

• Unauthorised access
• Loss
• Misuse
• Alteration
• Disclosure

However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

11. YOUR RIGHTS

Under UK GDPR, you may have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information
• Restrict processing of your information
• Object to processing
• Request transfer of your information where applicable
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

Requests may be made using the contact details provided on our Website.

12. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

We encourage children and young people to seek permission from a parent or guardian before submitting personal information.

Where we become aware that personal information has been collected unlawfully from a child, we will take reasonable steps to remove it.

13. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of external websites.

Users should review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they visit.

14. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

Updated versions will be published on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date.

Continued use of the Website following changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. COMPLAINTS

If you are unhappy with how we handle your personal information, please contact us first so we can attempt to resolve your concerns.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Information Commissioner's Office
Website: https://ico.org.uk

16. CONTACT US

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us through the contact details provided on the Website.

Ellesmere Port News
Website: www.ellesmere-port-news.com

By using this Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.