The sunbury3429.com forum appears to have gained momentum since the Sunbury Online discussion forum and its rival, the Sunbury Internet Community, were closed.

Users of Sunbury Online are believed to be favouring the forum at www.sunbury3429.com

Jacksons Creek Ward councillor Ann Potter said it was the first time she had seen sunbury3429.com in a long time.

Ms Potter said she had not looked at any of the online discussions, but felt the forums would be worthwhile.

Sunbury resident Sue Hatton aid she understood that the Sunbury Online system administrator was not able to keep the forum going because of the effort required for moderation and monitoring of the site.

"Although some felt it contentious at times in content or moderation, it served as a valuable online community forum for Sunbury residents to share information and debate issues."

The sunbury3429.com administrators did not return a request for comment.

The other two forums remain closed.