I coordinate Eden's Local Strategic Partnership which Eden Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) which was formed in November 2005 to improve key service delivery in your local area. Its purpose is to ensure that the public, private, voluntary and community sectors 'join-up' their activities so that you can enjoy the best possible quality of life in your area.

For more information on the LSP please visit: http://www.eden.gov.uk/your-council/partnerships/local-strategic-partnership-lsp/

An area of concern that LSP partners are wanting to address is the poor broadband coverage within Eden. The effect of which is felt by adults working from home and accessing the internet during their spare time, businesses and young people wanting to access the internet.

Installing local high-speed community owned broadband provision, like for example Alston Cyber-Moor, is unlikely to be an option for the majority of communities within Eden due to the costs involved. That leaves us with lobbying as the most feasible option and LSP partners are actively lobbying the appropriate Government bodies.

We would like you to, via your newsletters, let households know that they can also take part in lobbying for increased broadband coverage by registering their details on the website below:

http://www.broadband-notspot.org.uk
Broadband Notspot is a project to help map out the broadband blackspots in the UK. They are looking to bring together in one place, everyone who has difficulty getting a modern broadband connection. They hope to both use this information to campaign Government, politicians and telecommunications operators to provide a universally available broadband service throughout the UK.

Dr. Dani Leslie

Policy and Partnerships Officer

Eden District Council

Town Hall

Penrith  CA11 7QF

Tel 01768 212171