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New scheme launched to improve mobile phone coverage

Mobile phone coverage in some of the most rural areas of Devon and Somerset is set to be improved under a new scheme.

Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) has launched the roll out of its new “Mobile Booster” scheme, aimed at small businesses and households in rural communities who currently have inadequate coverage, have access to only one provider and who are currently struggling with connectivity.

The initiative, which is being funded through the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s (HotSWLEP) Growth Deal, will offer vouchers worth £800 to enable selected premises to purchase a wireless mobile signal booster in order to improve their 4G coverage.

Data from Ofcom states that 23,000 premises across the Devon and Somerset area are 4G “not-spots”, meaning they lack adequate coverage.

The Mobile Booster project aims to upgrade 4G coverage within homes and businesses in order to improve connectivity and the ability to make voice calls. The programme will focus on small business connections and will target those premises which have no adequate coverage from any operator or only one operator.

Work will begin this month and the aim is to install 1,250 systems by February 2022.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “This initiative will help reach businesses and residents who are currently struggling with a poor 4G mobile signal. Those who are able to benefit from this scheme will see an improvement in their service, and for those working remotely it can help increase their productivity.”

Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure, said: “A lot of people take 4G coverage for granted, but some people in rural parts of our region still struggle for decent coverage. This scheme aims to level that up in some of the ‘not spot’ areas. This will have a positive impact on all premises selected for the scheme.”

Karl Tucker, Chair of HotSW LEP, said: “We are delighted that the Heart of the SW LEP has been able to support this project through Growth Deal funding. The Growth Deal programme aims to fund strategic infrastructure projects that will help stimulate economic growth and increased productivity. The ‘Mobile Booster’ scheme will support the hardest to reach areas, benefiting small businesses and residents, making it easier to work from home, access services online and stay connected.”

The scheme will run alongside the current work of CDS to improve broadband connectivity in the hardest to reach areas of Devon and Somerset.

For more information go to: https://www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk/

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Financial Risk Management Policy - March 2023

Grant Application Kings Coronation Form

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023, with an additional bank holiday on Monday 8th May 2023.

We are keen to hear from groups/organisations in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge that are looking to celebrate the Coronation. The Town Council has £1500 available to allocate to events being organised to celebrate the Kings Coronation. The maximum grant to be allocated per event will be £500.

You must meet the following criteria for your application to be considered:

– The event will be open to all members of the public

– The event will be free of charge

– The event will take place within the Coronation weekend

– The event will take place within Burnham on Sea or Highbridge

 

Applications will close on Monday 6th March at midday. 

Your organisation and contact details

What happens next....
Applications will be considered at the Finance and Resources Committee Meeting on Monday 13th March 2023. You will be notified after this date whether your application has been successful.
Burnham & Highbridge Town Council takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information for the purposes of contacting you about this grant. The Council’s privacy notice can be found here.

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