On Friday I went down to the Shotley Peninsular to discuss the establishment of a pilot Community Internet Project in co-operation with Chelmondiston Parish Council .
For some time at Babergh we have been concerned to encourage wider internet useage across the District. It saves money for us if people contact us on-line and opens up all sorts of possibilities for those who at present do not have internet access.
Statistics show that some 30 percent of households still have no access to the internet. A good number of these people are elderly, and some probably are not interested having got along without the facility thus far. However, rather shockingly, some are younger families who cannot afford a connection or a computer, and this lack of access not only inconveniences them but is an additional educational disadvantage for their children.
The aim in Chelmondiston is to access funds to site two computers in a quiet corner of the local pub. Training and support will be provided and it is hoped that this will be a win-win situation, both for the pub, who should sell a few more drinks, and the community. If the project is a success further sites will be explored, funding permitting.
