FARRON WELCOMES EXTRA BROADBAND CASH

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that Cumbria County Council have received a £6.7 million boost towards providing super-fast rural broadband.

The money, allocated from Cumbria's Performance Reward grant, will add to the £17.1 million of government funding that has already been allocated towards super-fast internet. Cumbria County Council last week announced the three organisations which have been short listed to help bring better broadband to the county. A wide range of interested companies have been whittled down to just three: BT, Cable and Wireless and Fujitsu.

Commenting, Tim said: "This is brilliant news! Having access to high-speed internet is absolutely essential to the long term economic and social well-being of our area. I am delighted that this extra funding has been allocated towards helping us to build the broadband network rural areas like ours need. I will continue to advocate for super-fast internet coverage in the South Lakes and hope communities take advantage of this great opportunity."