KNUTSFORD’S MP will be meeting with rural communities this week to speak about broadband – and town businesses are urging those in charge to take action to increase speeds so firms can prosper.

George Osborne, Tatton MP, is to attend a public meeting focusing on the issue at Marthall Village Hall on Friday from 2pm to 3pm.

He will be joined by representatives from Connecting Cheshire – a group set up by Cheshire East Council with other local authorities in a bid to improve broadband in the county.

Those attending will be able to receive information and ask questions about rural broadband.

Two weeks ago in the Guardian residents in Over Peover voiced concerns over Connecting Cheshire’s decision to review their pledge from 100 per cent coverage to 90 per cent.

Jonathan Farber, the owner of Pressglue on Tatton Street, said Knutsford and the rural areas could benefit greatly if broadband speed was higher.

“Knutsford could easily stand out as a example ‘silicon town’ promoting greater digital business growth, employment and research if smaller businesses were better connected,” he said.

“The town is surrounded by technical excellence designed to inspire growth and innovation.

“Barclays technical headquarters is based only a few miles out of the town centre at Radbroke, and is internationally recognised for digital banking innovations such as the PingIT e-wallet and contacts payment systems for retail.

“TT, which sells hundreds of mobile and desktop games to millions of people every year, are based right next door to the train station.

“This is another example of how a global business that started out small, has grown into an international digital entertainment powerhouse, right here in the firm soil of WA16.

“There are countless small businesses in and around the area trying to get a decent foothold, and enhanced broadband connectivity will support their digital business aspirations.”

Please e-mail robertsonbj@parliament.uk to register your interest in attending the Marthall meeting.