Super-fast broadband named as top priority for Cumbria

Bringing fibre optic broadband and other forms of super-fast connection to every property in Cumbria by 2015 has been outlined as the county council's top priority.

Council leader Eddie Martin insisted it is essential that the target of rolling out minimum speeds of 10Mbps to the whole area is achieved, reports the News & Star.

"We need to deliver this. There is far too much wishful thinking in politics," he remarked.

His words were backed up by councillor Liz Mallinson, cabinet member for organisational development, who said the government's decision to choose Cumbria as one of its super-fast broadband pilot sites is "exciting".

"Cumbria has great ambition to be head of the pack nationally," she added.

Broadband Delivery UK, the body responsible for achieving the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition's plans on internet access, has named three other pilot sites.

North Yorkshire, Herefordshire and Scotland's Highlands and Islands have also been chosen to trial the technology.