Call for End to 'Digital Divide' for Rural Areas in Bedford Borough

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have called for action to end the 'digital divide' which sees many rural residents suffer slow broadband connection speeds. Residents in Shortstown have reported slow and unreliable internet connection speeds for their properties, even in some cases where nearby streets have no such problems.

Commenting, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Dave Hodgson said: "Broadband is increasingly becoming a necessity for modern life, and it is essential that all rural areas have reliable, high speed broadband connections. Without the sort of high-speed broadband connection that many people now take for granted, rural businesses are placed at a disadvantage, while rural residents suffer as more and more important services are accessed online.'

"Figures show that internet usage in rural areas is high. It is unacceptable that any rural residents should have their work or leisure options limited due to slower broadband speeds. I will bring pressure to bear on the telecommunications companies on this matter. We must ensure that no part of Bedford Borough is left on the wrong side of a digital divide."

Liberal Democrat Eastcotts Ward Councillor Sarah-Jayne Holland added: "I encourage all residents who have problems with their internet connection to contact their service provider to make sure the message gets through that this cannot be allowed to continue. Residents in Shortstown should be every bit as able to work from home, run businesses or use the internet for simple routine tasks without being restricted by a painfully slow and unreliable connection. I will be conducting a survey and passing on the results to BT to show them the extent of the problems for local residents, and will press for action to be taken."