Better internet for Winterbourne Stoke and surrounding villages

12.00.00am GMT Thu 14th Jan 2010

Local Councillors and residents from Winterbourne Stoke will this week submit plans to the South West Regional Development Agency that could see the village and surrounding area get access to internet speeds sixty times faster than existing average speeds.

Winterbourne Stoke suffers from painfully slow internet speeds because it is commercially unviable for BT to invest in infrastructure. It is also feared the area will miss out on Government plans to expand internet access to 90% of the country by 2012.

"Stonehenge Broadband" has therefore launched an attempt to secure European Union funding that will allow residents and businesses in Winterbourne Stoke to access high speed internet. It is hoped that the village will act as a "hub" to extend coverage to the wider area.

Local Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson is backing the plans and has urged Winterbourne Stoke residents to register their support too. He said;

"This community led scheme is exactly the kind of thing the EU should support. It will create opportunities for new and existing businesses in the area and get our rural areas connected.

"Before an investment is made, residents from Winterbourne Stoke need to back the bid. They should contact organisers before plans are submitted on Friday (15 January)"

Residents from the village can find out more and register their interest by contacting Councillor Ian West at 3 Church Street, Winterbourne Stoke, emailing ian@west223.fsnet.co.uk, or telephoning 01980 620389.