VOLUNTEERS are being recruited to help bring high-speed internet to Herefordshire’s rural communities.

Just as official figures reveal the county’s broadband remains the seventh slowest in the UK, a volunteer force of ‘local broadband champions’ are being appointed to promote the importance of high-speed connections.

Toby Murcott, a scientist, broadcaster and university lecturer, is one of the first to take on the role.

It is his job to update the Abbeydore and Bacton communities on the wider Borders Broadband project, to highlight the benefits of high-speed broadband and show there is local demand from residents and businesses.

Mr Murcott, of Bacton, said: “The benefits highspeed broadband will bring are immeasurable.

“Elderly people living alone can be in regular video contact with family or friends, or could consult their doctors via a webcam.

“The main reason I’m doing this is for my threeyear- old daughter, because when she goes to school, she won’t be able to get the most out of it unless she has access to faster internet.”

It was announced last week that a multi-million pound scheme to bring better broadband connections to Herefordshire had been given the go-ahead by the Government.

Part of the £6.35 million earmarked for improving connections had already been awarded to the Borders Broadband project – a partnership between Herefordshire and Gloucestershire councils.

It is hoped volunteer champions can continue the campaign closer to the ground.

Recent data has shown Herefordshire is still lagging behind with an average Broadband download speed of 5Mbits/second in comparison to a UK average of 7.5Mbits/second.

To find out more about becoming a broadband champion, email graham powell@herefordshire.gov.

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