CUMBRIAN MP FIGHTS FOR BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY IN WARCOP AND MURTON

Yesterday, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron met with representatives from Building Digital UK (BDUK); the body responsible for deciding where Government resources for broadband connectivity should be allocated, after funding for Murton and Warcop was pulled at the eleventh hour.

The parishes all but had spades in the ground to begin work with B4RN selected to carry out the work before BDUK made the decision to downgrade the priority levels of the areas.

Tim has been in ongoing discussions with Murton and Warcop parish councillors over how disappointing and disruptive the Government's decision to pull the funding has been for residents and businesses.

Last week, Tim challenged the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the decision in the House of Commons.

Following a meeting with BDUK yesterday, the body has agreed to reassess the priority of both Warcop and Murton.

Speaking this morning, Tim said: "I am encouraged that BDUK is going to look again at these decisions.

"Getting broadband connectivity to these Parishes is absolutely essential to preserving these communities. Not only that, but it is going to help keep people connected to their families, healthcare and be a boost to businesses in the area.

"B4RN are absolutely the right people to take on the project and I fully support their bid. They know the area very well already, have a great relationship with the local community, and a brilliant track record of really delivering in Cumbria and the North West.

"I really hope that BDUK sees the error in their decision and upgrades the priority of Warcop and Murton to get this project back on track."