Superfast Broadband – transforming businesses and
communities across Cheshire East
February 6, 2012
A billion pound boost to the economy, thousands of local jobs
created and better communication for residents – just some of
benefits superfast broadband can bring to Cheshire.
Members of Cheshire East Council were joined by their partners
across the region at Jodrell Bank on Friday, February 3 as part of
Connecting Cheshire; a project which aims to ensure everyone has
access to superfast broadband by 2015.
The Connecting Cheshire partnership comprises Cheshire East
Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Warrington Borough
Council and Halton Borough Council.
The partnership has so far received more than £3 million in
Government funding for the roll-out of superfast broadband but
needs up to £40 million in order for the project to reach its
potential.
To do this, Connecting Cheshire hopes to attract further funding
from the Government and European grants to ensure full coverage of
superfast broadband across the sub-region. Friday’s event was a
chance to present interested parties with the reasons behind the
project and the importance of superfast broadband to the local
economy.
The event included the publication of a value and impact study
which predicts that full superfast broadband coverage could result
in gross economic and social impact of £1.3 million and create
11,000 jobs. This would include the creation of 3,000 jobs across
rural and semi-rural areas across Cheshire, Warrington and
Halton.
Speaking at Friday’s event, Cheshire East Council’s head of
development, Caroline Simpson, said: “Superfast broadband
will transform businesses and communities over the coming years. It
is especially relevant and critical that, during times of economic
downturn, we put in place this essential foundation to economic and
social growth.
“Reliable, high speed broadband is vital to ensure and stimulate
our future growth, innovation and productivity; supporting business
growth by providing access to new markets.
As well as boosting the economy, it is hoped more people will
have better access to the internet and the services available on
the world wide web, especially those in rural and semi-rural
areas.
Cheshire East Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with
responsibility for performance and capacity said: “This is about
connecting communities; improving quality of life through health,
education and access to other public services. Discussing a health
issue with your GP over the internet – known as telecare – will
soon be a reality. This will surely be a boost to those in remote,
rural areas.
“The promise of being able to remain at home for longer, thanks
to support from services available via superfast broadband, is a
real one. It can also provide assisted living technologies for
people with a disability or long- term health issue. I urge all
interested parties, whether they want to invest in or support the
project – to come forward and get involved in this exciting
project.”
Commenting on superfast broadband, Macclesfield MP David Rutley
said: “It’s all about creating a level playing field so that people
can compete in today’s markets. At the moment not all businesses in
Cheshire have that access and it’s vital we get hold of it for
them. Not having superfast broadband holds our businesses back.
It’s as if they’re trying to do business with one hand tied behind
their backs.”
Anyone who wants to get involved with Connecting Cheshire, can
contact the team a number of ways:
