MORE than 45 people gathered together from the parishes of Morchard Bishop, Puddington, Thelbridge, Upton Hellions, Stockleigh English, Sandford, Washford Pyne, Woolsery and Kennerleigh for a public meeting to discuss the problem of a poor rural broadband service in the area.

The meeting was organised by Councillor Judi Binks and a team of local people.

Two detailed presentations were given by Roger Cashmore and Dr Al Sutter of Black Dog on the current situation in Sandford and Creedy ward.

The meeting agreed to survey every household in their area, asking residents to take part in a Community Rural Broadband Needs Survey.

Paper copies are now available also in the Community Stores at Sandford, Morchard Bishop and Kennerleigh.

If you are able, local residents are asked to please fill in the online version of this survey, which can be found at: http://bit.ly/1LCLPcU

Judi explained: “We are going to analyse this data and share it with BT and CDS (Connecting Devon and Somerset) to help inform their understanding and planning.

“If you would like more details, would like a copy of the presentation on the local area situation and issues or you require further paper copies of this survey for interested parties, please email: Alasdair Sutter [email protected] .

“I am determined that everybody in my ward should be connected to faster broadband if they need it in their daily home, social or working lives.

“Please would everyone in Sandford and Creedy ward fill in our survey. All details are anonymous and will be treated confidentially.”

Alan Quick