Local authority bids for broadband improvement funds

Rutland County Council has applied for government funding to boost the county's broadband infrastructure.

The Rutland and Stamford Mercury reports that the local authority had an original bid for £2 million rejected and has now gone back with a lower request of £600,000.

Called the Digital Rutland project, its aim is to deliver broadband services to 99 per cent of homes and businesses in the county.

Deputy leader of the council Terry Kling told the news provider: "We are determined to deliver this project as the benefit to homes and businesses across the country will be significant."

Tim Harris, of Rutland Cycling, echoed this point, adding that the future of his business depends on fast broadband.

According to Ofcom's Communications Market Report for Scotland, broadband take-up in the country lags behind that of the rest of the UK, with Glasgow Central one area in particular which is below the average for the rest of Britain.