County Councillor Bill Winlow has welcomed the news that the Coalition Government’s plans to bring superfast broadband to rural Lancashire have been approved by the European Commission.

This approval paves the way for the Coalition Government’s £530m rural broadband scheme. Work on laying cables can now start in earnest for local authority broadband projects all around the UK, including rural Lancashire

Commenting, County Councillor Bill Winlow said:

“Superfast broadband is crucial to build a strong economy, where everyone has the opportunity to make a success of their business. This will create jobs and growth for us in the Lancashire area and ensure we can compete fairly with the big cities.

“It is also very important for local and national government to deliver public services effectively online and to going about our everyday lives.

“For too long, we have missed out on investment in broadband. That’s why I’m glad that Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government have done the right thing by making this a priority and ensuring that the European Commission approved the plans.

“I have always been clear we must not miss out on the digital age in Lancashire and I will be working with the Coalition Government and our local authority to ensure we deliver superfast broadband as soon as possible.”