People living in Greatstone, Lydd on Sea and Dungeness are being urged to tell Shepway District Council how improved Broadband connections could change their lives.

The council won a total of £200,000 from Kent County Council's Rural Superfast Broadband Fund to be shared between the three coastal communities and the villages Lympne and Stanford - all areas most affected by low broadband speeds.

Now the council wants to hear from residents and businesses about how the money could be best spent.

"We'd like to know what Broadband speed would be best for affected residents and how particular problems they are experiencing could be resolved," said Cllr Alan Clifton-Holt, Cabinet Member for the Economy. "We can spend this money in a way we think will help, but it would be far better if people could come forward and what they really want."

Council research has shown that on Romney Marsh and in rural communities to the north of the district thousands of homes suffer from slow internet connection.

"Faster internet connections help create a more attractive environment for rural businesses to grow, show that rural areas are ‘open for business,' improve access to public services, open up opportunities for ‘social networking,' and ensure that rural communities and businesses are not at a disadvantage because of low speed broadband," said Cllr Clifton-Holt.

"I am delighted that we were successful in securing funding but we now need people's views on how this funding can be best spent."

People should contact Lee Byrne, Shepway District Council's Economic regeneration Officer on 01303 853402 or email leepbyrne@shepway.gov.uk [4]

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©