Call for more details over broadband bid
More detail is needed about a voucher scheme that could help rural businesses in Shropshire pay for better broadband, an election candidate has claimed.
Charlotte Barnes said the scheme looked like good news but was unclear whether businesses would benefit from the project.
The Super Connected Cities scheme will give businesses employing fewer than 250 people in rural areas the chance to apply for a £3,000 voucher to upgrade to superfast broadband.
Councillor Barnes, Lib Dem candidate for Ludlow, said more facts were needed.
She said: "As in most things the devil is in the detail and it's the detail we are sorely lacking. It its part of the Government's Super Connected Cities scheme that is now being extended to rural areas but we know very little else."
Councillor Barnes said she wanted to know the specific criteria for the scheme and how much money businesses could expect to receive.
"Supporting local companies would be a critical factor in stimulating economic growth in our area," she said.
"It would be really helpful if businesses could have the facts on this scheme sooner rather than later. Many companies have seen their business suffer because of the lack of superfast broadband and we really need to put things right. It would also be very useful to hear what Shropshire Council and Connecting Shropshire intends to do to connect residents in the remainder of the county."
Chris Taylor, Connecting Shropshire programme manager said: "Positively, we have recently negotiated inclusion of all postcodes, in the Shropshire Council area, into the voucher scheme.
"We are continuing to formalise the necessary processes for the scheme with our preferred administrator, City of Birmingham, and intend to make a formal announcement later in the spring.
"In the interim if you are a supplier or a business wishing to take advantage of the new scheme please email your enquiries direct to digitalbirminghambroadbandvouchers@birmingham.gov.uk"
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