Cookie Policy

What are cookies?

A cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, is a piece of data stored by a website on a user’s computer by a browser, and then subsequently sent back to the same website by the browser.

Why does our website make use of them?

Cookies fulfil different roles within our website. Some are required for site functionality, some allow us to analyse how our site is used and some are from third parties (i.e. Google Maps).

Cookies make browsing websites more efficient, give the opportunity for advanced functionality and also allow our website team to analyse how the site is used (through the use of Google Analytics for example).

Why do we collect data on how visitors use our site?

Firstly, it’s important to note that we do not collect any data that can identify a unique user or collate any contact data on an individual (unless, of course, you volunteer such information via an enquiry form or newsletter sign-up).

We use Google Analytics to track how anonymous users make use of our site. The data we receive allows us to ensure our site remains easy to use, fully functional and gives users, such as yourself, the best possible experience.

Why do we need to outline our cookies and their use?

The ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) and UK Government are now enforcing the E-Privacy Directive. The E-Privacy Directive is an EU based directive aimed at privacy protection in a digital environment.

The directive’s aim is to inform and educate web users on what cookies are, which cookies the websites they visit use and what they are for. The premise behind the directive is that users will have more control over their online privacy and gain a greater understanding of any information collected by the website they visit.

What cookies we use?

As noted earlier, our cookies fall into three categories. Those that are required for website functionality, those that allow us to collate and analyse site usage statistics and those that are used by third parties (such as Google Maps).

Below is a list of the cookies we use. Some of the functionality based cookies have already been used to ensure you are able to use our site and read this page. If you would like to remove our cookies from your computer, please visit this website for a guide on how to do so.

Owner/Domain Cookie Name Expires More Details

  • www.m53ford.co.uk ASP.NET_SessionId On site exit This is a functionally required cookie that sets unique ID for your visit and expires when you leave the site
  • www.m53ford.co.uk CMSPreferredCulture 24 hours Sets preferred language/culture of website
  • Google Analytics __utmb Date not set This is a session cookie set by Google Analytics and helps us understand return/repeat visits
  • Google Analytics __utmc Date not set This is a session cookie (similar to our own ASP.NET_SessionId) set by Google Analytics and helps us understand return/repeat visits
  • Google Analytics __utma 729 days This cookie is used by Google Analytics to recognise a unique user. Twitter in this instance are using Google Analytics for their site analysis too
  • Google Analytics __utmz 182 days This cookie is used by Google Analytics to confirm the source of the visit to Twitter
  • dm1.contactatonce.co.uk ASP.NET_SessionId On site exit A session ID set when LiveChat functionality is used
  • as7ws4.contactatonce.com ASP.NET_SessionId On site exit A session ID set when LiveChat functionality is used
  • as7ws4.contactatonce.com Cookie Enabled On site exit Set when cookies are enabled in LiveChat
  • Google Maps PREF 365 days Google account preference cookie
  • Google Maps testcookie Date not set Google account preference cookie
  • Google Maps khcookie Date not set Google account preference cookie
  • Google Maps NID 182 days A session ID used when viewing Google Maps

What if you don’t want to allow the use of cookies from our website?

As noted earlier, you can clear the cookies on your browser by following instructions found here. You can also block cookies from our website, or any other site you visit, using your browser settings.

Unfortunately, if you chose to take this approach you will no longer be able to view our website as a number of the cookies listed above are critical to the website’s use.

Further information

If you would like more information on cookies and the ICO’s directive, please visit the ICO website.