05/03/2014 - Permalink

Broadband partnership confirmed to help source funds for extended rollout

Related topics: Community / Democracy / Partner organisations

Shropshire Council are pleased to announce agreement with the Shropshire and Marches Campaign for Better Broadband to create a working partnership and stakeholder group aiming to increase the coverage of faster broadband across the Shropshire Council area.

Agreement was reached during a meeting of full Council on Thursday 27 February 2014 and met warmly by both Patrick Cosgrove of the campaign group, and Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for broadband, saying a close partnership could “unlock the potential” of the Superfast Extension Programme fund for Shropshire.

On Tuesday 25 February, Shropshire received confirmation that Broadband Delivery UK, the Government project for broadband, were allocating over £12 million to the county as part of the Superfast Extension Programme (SEP).  Shropshire Council was allocated £11.38m while Telford & Wrekin Council was allocated £1.42m.  The SEP grants are conditional on the councils obtaining match funding.

A vital aim for the partnership is to find sources of funding so Shropshire Council can make sure it can match fund the £11.38m made available. In addition, the group will provide a communication channel to update stakeholders on the progress of broadband roll-out and help to capture community enthusiasm, demand and ideas in support of providing access to faster broadband.

Steve Charmley welcomed the move, saying:

“The SEP money will allow us to reach more people in the most rural areas of Shropshire and Broadband is a priority for this Council.  We’ve seen the struggles rural areas can have with their Internet connection and this partnership will help us unlock the potential of this fund.”

Patrick Cosgrove said:

“Experience elsewhere has shown that the involvement of residents can deliver high speed broadband very effectively.  I hope that many communities in Shropshire will work with Shropshire Council to devise technological and financial solutions that give priority to those who are currently in danger of missing out.”