Residents encouraged to speak up for faster internet access (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Residents encouraged to speak up for faster internet access in Redcar and Cleveland

5:04pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Graeme Hetherington

RESIDENTS are being urged to speak up if they want to secure government funding for enhanced broadband speeds.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is assessing options to improve the fibre infrastructure, but to help secure this funding, the Council is calling on residents and businesses to complete a ‘Demand Assessment Form’.

Without evidence of an interest in faster broadband, suppliers are unlikely to improve the infrastructure, even if funding is made available.

Councillor Christopher Massey, cabinet member for rural affairs and the environment said: "There are several areas of poor broadband access in the Borough. These are mainly in East Cleveland; south of Boosbeck from Pinchinthorpe to the coast.

"Superfast broadband benefits all businesses and communities, and we would urge as many people as possible to complete the form and pass it on to others so that we may be successful in our bid."

The form only identifies levels of interest and does not commit anyone to take up any new service that may be provided.

It should be completed and returned as soon as possible, but by no later than 31st March 2013. The form can be found online at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/broadband and paper copies can be obtained from Redcar & Cleveland House, Redcar; Belmont House, Guisborough; and at Council libraries.