CLP: Broadband & Website

As with a lot of rural communities, Church Minshull suffers from slow Broadband Internet download and upload speeds. Although there were many questionnaire respondents stating satisfaction with their broadband speed, about 40% were not. During the open events further issues were raised about constraints of accessing High Definition pay on demand film and TV services (eg iPlayer, Netflix) and other media streaming services. In addition views were expressed that in the the longer term there will be more services available that need higher broadband speeds and in some cases services only requiring existing speed levels may cease to be available or increase in cost disproportionately. This will could deprive our community of these facilities.
Church Minshull also has a much higher proportion than the national average of both self employed — 17.6% (8.3%) and people who work from home — 34% (9.2%). Some of these people rely on good internet services to provide business or to be able to work and this was raised at the open meetings.
The open meetings also identified a desire to improve the village's website to make it a stronger community asset. The questionnaire responses indicated that only about 30% used it regularly for events and information.
The Parish Council, which is now responsible for the website, has been able to respond to the challenge as part of a communications stream of activity and with help of a National Lottery grant has launched Church MInshull's ARENA website with 8000 visitors in its first four months.
A small group has worked to ensure that Church Minshull is to be included in the infrastructure upgrade and that we do not miss out on the investment in Cheshire.
There are also plans to introduce an Internet Cafe and training support as part of new services at the Church Minshull Village Hall.

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Update and upgrade to Church Minshull website and extend its user base	January 13 April 13 November 13 Ongoing December 14	* Completed: Secure funding for website refresh * Completed: Parish Council to take ownership * Completed Launch new website * Completed: Promotion and expansion * Investigate sponsorship opportunities to allow competitions etc
Upgrade internet service to fibre optic speeds	December 13 . December 14	* Completed: Lobby Connecting Cheshire to ensure CM inclusion in fibre-optic upgrade * Completed: Accelerate position of CM in roll out
Provide community training and internet access to those requesting support	December 14 . . November 15 . November 15	* Investigate options for encouraging web and computer skills and greater involvement of the community in digital services that could benefit individuals * Complete introduction of a Village Hub and/or Internet Cafe (Village Hall) * Acquire suitable equipment to support activities