South
Lakes MP Tim Farron has called on local residents to help him make local
resident John Colton Talk Talk’s Digital Hero for 2012.
John is a
Founding Member and Technical Director of Fibre Garden, a community broadband
company managed by volunteers that was established two years ago to develop a
superfast broadband network in the rural communities of Garsdale and Dentdale
in South Cumbria.
Recently
the Secretary of State for Environment and Rural Affairs visited Garsdale to
announce that the community is one of the first two to get an
agreement-in-principle for a Rural Community Broadband Fund grant. Pending some
conditions being filled by the community-led project, 525 premises will be
connected to superfast broadband following a Government investment of £157,500.
John's
colleagues at FibreGarden say: "John's passion and leadership have been
critical in developing the founding principles of a digital network with 100%
inclusivity, fully future proofed, and under community ownership. John has
worked selflessly with other communities in Cumbria to help explain the
benefits of FTTH, producing the business and technical models to support the
company's plans and tirelessly attending hours of community meetings and
suppliers discussions to ensure the best possible outcomes."
Tim
said: “The Digital Heroes Awards were designed
to recognise and reward those who use digital technology to make a difference
in their communities. John is the person who best exemplifies that. Having worked with him and others on the broadband scheme I
know he is a worthy winner – please support him and help give a local person
the national recognition they deserve.”
You can
vote by clicking the link: http://www.talktalk.co.uk/digitalheroes/region.php?region=north_west
