Improving Broadband Access in Rural Sussex

On 29 November 2011 Government launched a £20m national fund to support community initiatives that aim to improve broadband provision to rural communities in England.

The Rural Community Broadband Fund is designed to supplement investment that is being procured by County Councils over the next two to create improvements across their whole county area. Any rural community may apply as long as their plans are consistent with County Council's overall approach for their county. The first deadline for expressions of interest is the end of January 2012 and there is likely to be one further round later in the year. Any community wishing to apply will need to gather together a good deal of evidence both of local need and commitment before that date. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of February and will then have more time to assemble a strong business case for what they want to do.

In order to help potential applicants Action in rural Sussex is running four events in Sussex in December to outline the details of scheme, the criteria that applicants will need to meet and provide advice on what information communities should start to assemble for their bids. Those attending will receive a pack of information to help them decide whether applying to the fund is the right approach for their community and guidance on how to go about this.

The events have been planned as follows:

East Sussex

7 December 2011, Uckfield Civic Centre, 7.00pm - 9.00pm

20 December 2011, Sedlescombe Village Hall, 2.00pm - 4.00pm

West Sussex

14 December 2011, Billingshurst Village Hall, 2.00pm - 4.00pm

21 December 2011, Singleton Village Hall, 7.00pm - 9.00pm

If you would like to attend please complete the reply slip below and return to Claire Reynolds, Action in rural Sussex, Sussex House, 212 High St, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2NH. As no financial support to assist communities with the scheme is being made available there will be a charge of £24.00 inc VAT per person for these events (cheques payable to Action in rural Sussex).

AirS Broadband Information Events Reply Slip