CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has called for residents in rural communities struggling for reliable and fast broadband to consider applying for cash that has been set aside to pay for ultra-high-speed connections.

Rural premises with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps can use vouchers worth £1,500 per home and up to £3,500 per business to support the cost of installing new fast and reliable connections.

Mel said: “Having campaigned for better broadband in Central Devon for a decade I am very encouraged by the progress that has been made in improving speeds and reliability in many areas of our constituency.

“But gaps in coverage still remain, which hold businesses back and make many day-to-day tasks which rely on a decent internet connection very difficult.

“There are £70 million of unclaimed vouchers and I would encourage anyone struggling with poor speeds to see whether these vouchers could benefit them or their business.”

More information, including a Postcode checker to see whether a property is eligible for a voucher, visit: www.gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk .