Access to fast broadband will be improved across the Bath and North East Somerset area following a decision this evening by B&NES’ Liberal Democrat Cabinet to invest in rural infrastructure.

The Council will join the “Connecting Devon and Somerset” broadband project, which aims to deliver reliable, standard broadband to 100% of homes and businesses, with a connection speed of at least 2mbps in the first place and then to deliver ‘superfast’ broadband to 85% or more of homes and businesses by 2015.

B&NES Council will invest £475,000 spread over the next three years, which will unlock further funding of £2,249,000 from private and public sector contributions.

Councillor Ben Stevens (Liberal Democrat, Widcombe), who is the Council’s small business champion commented:

“Many residents and businesses across Bath and North East Somerset suffer from poor access to broadband with poor connection speeds. This affects their ability to access services, education and social contacts and to start and grow businesses. The project to improve rural broadband speeds has the potential to bring benefits across the district.

“The intention has always been to look for the best available deal in terms of connection speeds, coverage and value for money. It is clear that the first, Bristol-led, proposal did not fulfil these criteria and I am pleased the Cabinet continued to look for a better option.

“The new deal, with Somerset, Devon, North Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay Councils will give a better result at a substantially reduced cost to the Council - £475,000 over three years rather than £1 million.”

Introducing the item, Councillor Cherry Beath (Liberal Democrat, Combe Down), Cabinet member for Sustainable Development, commented:

“It is unfortunate that the previous Conservative administration rejected an offer to join this project in March 2011 – when B&NES could have joined for £250,000 – fortunately we have been able to salvage the situation they left behind.”

Councillor Neil Butters (Liberal Democrat, Bathavon South) commented:

“This is a great day for all those living and, especially, working in the rural areas. It won't solve all our internet problems straightaway, but it will help greatly in creating the quality of infrastructure essential for the modern age.

“Most growth will come from the small and medium-sized businesses that are a feature of areas such as Wellow and Shoscombe in my ward.

“We are all delighted at how things have turned out, and I would like to congratulate Councillor Cherry Beath and colleagues for their splendid work and achieving such a success.”

Councillor Jeremy Sparks (Liberal Democrat, Clutton) welcomed the decision, saying:

“As a representative of a rural ward, I am very aware of the problem of poor internet access. This is frustrating for residents and can be a real liability for businesses, preventing them from getting off the ground or expanding.

“I am extremely pleased that our Liberal Democrat Cabinet has decided to go ahead with this funding project. There are many small businesses and residential areas, in North East Somerset particularly, which will benefit from this upgrade. We are helping to move North East Somerset into the 21st century.

“It goes to show that the Conservatives’ repeated claims that the Liberal Democrats are ignoring the needs of rural areas in B&NES are utter nonsense.”