The Longden Ford and Rea Valley Local Joint Committee – your chance to get involved

Residents of Ford and the surrounding area will get the chance to quiz officers from BT about broadband speeds in rural areas, when the Longden, Ford and Rea Valley LJC meets at Ford village hall on Tuesday 22nd February 2011 at 7pm.

Ian Binks, Partnership Director with BT, will be attending the meeting and talking about the measures BT are taking to improve broadband in rural areas, and also providing residents with advice on how they can improve their own broadband speeds with some low cost pieces of technology.

The meeting will also feature presentations on the Shropshire Council and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service budgets for 2011/12 and what the implications are for local communities. The Committee will also receive a presentation from local young people about the concessionary fare scheme the LJC funded over Christmas, and the Shushokan Karate Club will be reporting back on how the equipment the LJC helped them purchase has benefitted their club.

Roger Evans chair of the LJC said

“The main topic being discussed is Broadband and the poor speed suffered by local residents and businesses. Rural Areas need, deserve, want to be part of the internet revolution but at present are being prevented from joining it. I hope local residents will come, listen and then quiz BT on how it plans to enable us to use the services that we need and want.

“As we all know, budgets are being cut. Shropshire Council will be setting its budget just 2 days after this meeting. This is your last chance to ask both the Fire Service and Shropshire Council what, where and why the proposed cuts are being made. Come and have your say, make your comments, let others hear your views.“

The meeting will be held at Ford Parish Hall, The Leasowes, Ford. SY5 9LU on Tuesday 22 February 2011 at 7pm. A full agenda for the meeting is available on the Shropshire Council website (www.shropshire.gov.uk)