Staffordshire County Council working to transform Internet access around the county

Matthew Le Doux-Deakin said:

Broadband Champions

I would like to apologise to those who had committed to attend the broadband champions events for postponing them. It is it is crucial that we meet with and recruit broadband champions to work with us in promoting and supporting this exciting and essential programme of works, with people who are well placed within their local communities and unfortunately initial responses to these meetings had not been at the level we hoped for and need.

I would therefore like to invite you to one of the series of re-arranged short events to find out more about this project and how we can work together for you and your local communities.

As you may know, Staffordshire County Council is working to transform broadband internet access around the county.

We are investing £7.44m to ensure that sub-standard broadband services are improved, and our investment has unlocked a further £7.44m from the Government. We are currently selecting a supplier to carry out improvement works, which will commence early in 2013 and will be completed by May 2015.

Fast and reliable internet access is increasingly important to everybody, in terms of accessing information and services, carrying out business, and keeping in touch. Did you know that households can save an average of £560 per year by shopping and paying bills online?1

We are now looking for volunteers to assist in any or all of the following three ways:

1. Ensure that as many people as possible in your community complete our broadband demand registration exercise – please see the enclosed leaflet;

1. Help inform local people about the schedule for when works will take place in your area – once the schedule is known;

1. Support people in your community to get online and make the most of the internet.

You may have other suggestions as to how you might be able to help. We’re keen to hear from you.

Please come along to one of our Broadband Champions events, which will be held at:

• The Council Chamber, South Staffordshire Council, Codsall on 20th June at 1pm
• The Churnet Room, Moorlands House, Leek on 31st May 2012 at 1.30 pm
• Eccleshall Library,20 High Street, Eccleshall on 14th June 2012 at 1pm
• Stowe Village Hall, Stowe by Chartley on 14th June 2012 at 9 am
• TheRudyard Room,1 Staffordshire Place ,Stafford on 13th June at 6pm

The events are planned to last 2 hours and will give some information about the project – from it’s background to where we are now and then interactive session on though the role and responsibilities of a broadband champion. The events will conclude by letting you know, ‘what happens next!’.

If would to come along, please book your place by sending an e-mail tosfbroadband@staffordshire.gov.uk or calling 07815 173003, stating your name, address, contact number and which event you would like to attend. Also please let other members of your local and neighbouring communities know about the meeting and encourage them to take part too.

Places will be offered on a first come, first served basis should demand be high.

I look forward to seeing you.

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