Calderdale Council chief hails fibre broadband strategy

The benefits of fibre optic broadband connectivity will be enjoyed across Calderdale, according to a local councillor.

Barry Collins, leader of Calderdale Council's broadband project and portfolio holder for economy and environment, acknowledged that the rollout of fibre broadband requires a big financial commitment but insisted it will deliver "vast gains".

"We need to be clear that this is an investment that people do support," he was quoted by the Halifax Courier as saying.

Surveys by the local authority revealed that 89 per cent of residents and 87.5 per cent of businesses in Calderdale would welcome the chance to sign up for super-fast broadband.

Currently, it is estimated that more than 33,000 adults - or around a fifth of the local adult population - in the area have never been online, while more than 5,600 children are unable to access the internet at home.

Research from the council showed that families with a broadband connection save up to £700 per year through online shopping and the ability to shop around using price comparison sites.