Rural communities hit the information super highway
More of the county’s smaller and most rural communities are set to bridge the ‘digital divide’, thanks to a project from Herefordshire Council that puts computers and high-speed internet access into churches, village halls, public houses and other community buildings.
Mansel Lacy, between Weobley and Hereford, is among the latest villages to get on board the information super highway.
A Community Access Point (CAP) is being installed and the community will be using the technology for a range of activities: including accessing the local job market, speaking to distant friends and relatives using a webcam link, pursuing hobbies and even projecting giant moving images during church services.
Cal Edwards, who lives in the village and edits the local Foxley News parish publication, said: “Mansel Lacy is a village full of activities and community spirit, so everyone embraced the idea of a Community Access Point.
“We already organise computer courses and we have a resident expert who helps people get to grips with the basics.
“The new system will help us develop business ideas, promote clubs and events, show videos of village life and further bring people together of all ages and walks of life”.
Five CAPs will have been launched or are due to be launched by the end of this month.
The first was installed at the Bridge Inn at Michaelchurch Escley.
They aim to help small communities gain access to technology currently only available in the larger centres of population and include internet connection, up to six computers or laptops, a printer, a scanner and peripherals, such as webcams, camcorder, projector and screen.
Software includes office applications and a range of interest and hobby based software.
Cllr June French, cabinet member for customer services, said: “Community Access Points can be set up in village halls, community buildings or pubs and can be a valuable village resource, giving personal internet access, access to jobs and learning opportunities, local news and village information, as well as providing information about, and access to, council services.
“The package we provide includes hardware, software, advice and technical support. It is based on listening to the needs of specific communities, helping to bring individuals together to tackle rural isolation, perhaps sparking new local business initiatives and social events.
“If our pilot study is successful, our remote and rural communities across the county could be linked in new and exciting ways”.
The CAP project is provided by the council in partnership with the “Herefordshire In Touch” programme (funded by the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and the EU - European Regional Development Fund).
To qualify for one, communities need to commit to managing and promoting the facility to everyone in the local area and show that a range of individuals, groups and organisations would use it.
The council is keen to hear from communities from all over Herefordshire that could become a Community Access Point. If you want to discuss how you might get one for your area call Mike Truelove on (01432) 383461 or email: mtruelove@herefordshire.gov.uk
