MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Simon Holbrook
Date of Issue: March 11^th 2010
Contact numbers:
07824 431295
Lib Dem office: 0151 691 8544

SUPER FAST BROADBAND FOR BUSINESS

A report to be considered by Wirral's Cabinet on 18^th March, shows steps are already being taken to implement measures to help the local economy, agreed in the Council's Budget passed on 1st March.

One of these measures is the installation of a ‘super fast' broadband fibre optic communications network to link together all the key business centres in Wirral.

The installation will see the Council investing £4m over 4 years as part of a £12m programme to attract inward investment, support existing businesses and increase commercial competitiveness.

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Simon Holbrook said,

“We have shown that we can come up with innovative and bold solutions in responding to the recession and subsequent plans for economic recovery.

“In responding to the recession, we know that it is vital to take bold steps now to address the structural weaknesses of Wirral's economy, attract private sector jobs and investment into Wirral and reduce our economy's overdependence on public sector jobs. This is why installation of a 'super-fast' communications network now is vital for the success of the Wirral's key business centres – we cannot afford to wait until the telecommunications companies ‘get around' to Wirral.

“By connecting our key business centres to super fast broadband and ensuring our economy has this key competitive edge, we have demonstrated that we are serious about our ambition for Wirral and are always looking to the future.”

Cabinet 18^th March report link: Next Generation Access Network for Wirral
http://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=12633