PEOPLE and businesses are being encouraged to take part in a survey to demonstrate the need for high speed broadband in the Forest before the deadline of January 31.

Areas covering most of the Forest of Dean and South Herefordshire were among the first in the UK to receive Government funding last autumn to bring superfast broadband to remote rural areas which will be extended throughout the two counties over the next few years.

GFirst is leading this project and is currently doing a survey of local businesses and residents to gauge the level of interest in having high speed broadband. Forest of Dean District Council is supporting them, as is the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council, to encourage the community to take part.

Cllr Brian Edwards, the council's broadband cham­p­­­ion said: "If we cannot show the demand for this fantastic new service we may not get it. So we need to ensure that we demonstrate there is a demand for high speed broadband here in the Forest. It's a necessity and we believe this is an important issue for local people, businesses and the local economy.

"High speed broadband will benefit people of all ages whether they want to use the internet for playing games on their games system, speaking to family in Australia, for downloading music, TV or films, and to help businesses in the area.

"Please spend a few minutes to complete the survey and encourage your family and friends to get on board. This information is vital for us to demonstrate to the broadband industry that we need it, we want it, and we'll use it!"

The survey is at http://www.gfirst.co.uk/broadband">www.gfirst.co.uk/broadband. For people in the community who do not have internet access we have paper copies of the survey available in our council offices and at leisure centres which can be handed back in at receptions.