Broadband scheme seeks investors

Campaigners say broadband speeds in parts of the county are lower than recommended standards

A campaign to get faster broadband in rural parts of Gloucestershire has been backed by the county's communities, according to organisers.

Those behind the Borders Broadband project said 235 volunteers in 120 parishes have signed up to highlight the benefits of faster connections.

They said the private sector needs to be persuaded to invest in the scheme.

The project aims to secure investment in a new fast infrastructure for rural Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

'Really major issue'

Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "This is beginning to show that there is real demand for faster broadband in our rural communities."

Angela Presdee from GFirst, which helps to manage the project, said it was "vital" speeds were improved.

"More and more services are going online. It's a really major issue for residents and businesses [to have fast broadband]."

The Cotswolds Conservation Board, which is backing the campaign, said a survey showed nearly half of households in the area have broadband speeds below or at 2Mbps, which is the government's acceptable minimum level of service.