PEOPLE who live or work in East Cleveland are being urged to support plans to bring superfast broadband to the area.

Redcar & Cleveland Council is bidding for £300,000 in Government funding for areas with poor internet connection, and needs to build its case.

The council is asking people to register their support for the partnership bid to prove there is demand – although this does not mean they are subscribing, or committing to, the service. It involves filling out a short form.

Councillor Christopher Massey, Cabinet member for Environment and Rural Affairs, said: “Fast and reliable broadband is becoming a necessity for everyday life.

“It drives businesses, helps students with their education and underpins so many other services that rural communities could be missing out on.

“If we do not get a strong response we could miss out on a fantastic opportunity. In Moorsholm, three in four people are supporting the bid, but in other communities the response has been as low as one in a hundred. We need to get the message out that they have the key to unlock this funding.”

Letters will be sent out in early September and can be returned in a postage-paid envelope or to any council office or library. People can also register support by visiting www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.broadband.