West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has brought fast rural broadband a step closer after the Government promised extra funds to improve local services. The West Worcestershire MP has been an active campaigner for proper funding for broadband across the county, in particular the so-called ‘not-spots’ where conventional internet connections are very slow or non-existent. Harriett has been in regular contact with Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and his team at the Department for Culture Media and Sport to press for the county being given special treatment for funding. An announcement is due shortly confirming the extra funds allocated to the county council to deliver proper broadband for the county. Harriett said: “Many of the parishes in my constituency have highlighted the huge problems they face just getting online. High speed broadband is a great aspiration but we simply have to fix the cable problems in some of our outlying villages first. “I am delighted that DCMS has been able to confirm to me that the county council will shortly be given fast-track funds to fund projects to bring proper broadband speeds to rural homes and businesses. “I understand a team has been identified within the county council to deal with this issue and I hope that villages like Shrawley and Eldersfield will shortly be hearing some long awaited good news. “The Government’s plans to invest in broadband are to be applauded and I am pleased that I have been able to speed up the delivery of local funding. “A good internet connection will make a huge difference to those people who want to work from home and it is also a factor in those people who want to set up home-based businesses. “I am also keen to make sure that projects like our Martley Mesh wifi project are promoted across the region to show how innovative thinking and the Big Society can work hand in hand to improve our rural communities.”