You have been aware that there was a problem which might leave us without broadband. This came to a head in the middle of October and, thanks to some very urgent work by other users of the service across Somerset and Devon, we are very thankful to be able to tell you that our broadband will continue beyond the end of October 2011 and for the forseeable future, barring unforeseen problems.

Emergency meeting secures future
At an emergency meeting of users, on Sunday 23rd October, to which Colin and I were invited, a new entity was initiated to carry the broadband forward. 17 people put their hands in their pockets to the tune of several hundred pounds each which enabled the service to continue beyond the end of October. This gives time to work with local councils across Somerset and Devon to facilitate funding, sort out creditors and accounting and move the service forwards, safeguarding many hundreds of jobs across the area.

Fight for the future
South West Internet will remain the supplier so we should continue with our wonderful service. The hope is that there will be sufficient funds available in the future to enhance the service to provide even faster broadband.

Lobby your parish councillors, district councillors, county councillors and MP. Without our wireless broadband service there would be a loss of jobs and companies would leave the area. Get your public representatives to realise that the provision of a significantly slower service than we currently receive - in 4 years time is a complete waste of taxpayers money.

Taxpayers money to retain and create jobs ; taxpayers money to ensure that children can do their home work.

NOT for a 12 month procurement process spent on council staff, council advisors to produce slower broadband in 4 years time, thereby wasting vast sums of money.

There will be more information either on the re-incarnated Broadband4Exmoor website or elsewhere shortly. We will point you to the sources of information as soon as we can.

However Somerset County Council funding and the BDUK government funds of approximately £50 million appear to be scheduled for delivery from 2015 onwards. At a meeting at Luxborough Village Hall on Monday 24th October we heard that there will be no funds from SCC or BDUK to maintain or enhance our existing service. Without this, should our existing supplier run into problems, we would be back to dial up for at least the next 4 years. So I would urge you to lobby your parish councillors, district councillors, county councillors and MP. Without our wireless broadband service there would be a loss of jobs and companies would leave the area. So try to get your public representatives to realise that the provision of a significantly slower service than we currently receive - in 4 years time is a complete waste of taxpayers money.

A reminder that the Mulled Wine Evening will take place on TUESDAY 6th December AT 6:30PM in the Village Hall. All welcome.

If you have information about events in Luxborough please email Pat McGlynn using the email address events at this website.