The LRP is working with a range of public, private and voluntary organisations and communities to deliver super-fast broadband to all premises in Leicestershire by 2017, subject to securing necessary funding. Initially the target is to deliver to over 90% by 2015. To help us achieve this 2015 target the County Council has allocated £4m to match the Government's £3m.

In addition to this investment it is critical that we raise demand for super-fast broadband. To date over 3300 questionnnaire responses from Leicestershire households and businesses have been received in support of plans to improve broadband connectivity. Thank you to all those who responded.

There is still time for those who live or work in rural Leicestershire to respond. Please complete the online survey available at www.leics.gov.uk/broadband. The survey closes on the 30th April 2012. It is anticipated that deployment will commence in 2013.

For more information please contact Matthew Kempson (matthew.kempson@leics.gov.uk, 0116 305 6179)

Seagrave lost its village shop and Post Office in 2002, and since then local residents, including the elderly, have had to travel to get essential food produce.

Gemma Rumbold has managed the pub since May 2008, when it underwent extensive renovations; the popularity of the pub took off under Gemma's management and urgently required additional floorspace, as well as the village requiring more community space.

Gemma successfully applied for a Leicestershire Rural Partnership INSPIRE grant to bring an adjacent redundant building back into life, only 200m from the site of the original village shop. The building has now had a new makeover and accommodates a new shop selling fresh local produce and a function room (with stair lift) on the first floor.

Greenfield Farm project also in the village provides training for people with learning disabilities, and has also received an INSPIRE grant. The project will supply volunteers to work in the shop whilst providing fresh local produce (which opens at Easter).

For more information see www.whitehorseseagrave.co.uk.

Cllr Lesley Pendleton, Chairman of the Leicestershire Rural Partnership said: "It is wonderful that we are able to meet local need by not only retaining but setting up new village shops where they are needed. Gemma's commitment shows that local facilities can be developed by determined local people".

The internet is transforming the way that we live, work and play. It is driving business innovation and growth, ensuring that people can access services, and is opening up new opportunities for creative learning.

Not all business and communities, however, are able to take advantage of these opportunities. Whilst some urban areas are able access super-fast broadband and a range of digital services, other, more rural, areas struggle with the most basic of internet functions.

Broadband connectivity is emerging as a critical issue in Leicestershire. We believe it will help ensure the future sustainability of our rural communities and, as a result, have included it as one of our BIG 7 priorities within our Leicestershire Rural Framework.

It is estimated that over 190,000 residents mainly in rural areas, will not receive improved broadband as part of BT's national rollout programme. This includes 89,000 residential households and at least 3,800 businesses.

The LRP is supporting the County Council to ensure broadband is improved across the County. Through our Broadband Leicestershire programme we are working partnership with public, private and voluntary sector organisations to identify and deliver the connectivity needs of communities, businesses, and public sector organisations.

Our vision is to deliver super-fast broadband to all premises in Leicestershire by 2017, subject to securing necessary funding. Initially we want to deliver to over 90% by 2015. To help achieve our 2015 target the County Council has allocated £4m to match the Government's £3m allocation. District council have also committed to support the programme and we are in discussing additional funding. A further £300,000 has been allocated to deploy better broadband in the most remote rural areas. Deployment of super-fast broadband will commence during 2013.

As part of the programme it is critical we understand current issues and future broadband aspirations.

We need your support. Please visit www.leics.gov.uk/broadband and complete our questionnaire and help us to help you transform your internet experience. Our survey will be open until the 30^th April 2012. We will report on our findings in May. When you complete our survey please register to receive our quarterly newsletter.

To discuss your local broadband issues or for a hard copy of the questionnaire contact Matthew Kempson broadband@leics.gov.uk 0116 305 6179

Leicestershire Rural Partnership is holding its Rural Conference at Scalford Hall in the heart of Leicestershire's picturesque countryside.

All courses are free and will include tea, coffee, biscuits and all course
materials – just bring yourself!

For more information and to book a place see the attached PDF

The grants fall into 3 categories – The Workspace Development Grant (up to £15,000) Visitor Development Grant (up to £10,000) and Equestrian Development Grant (up to £10,000).

Full details can be found at: www.oakleaves.org.uk/rural-business-grants

If you have a project or idea and think your business could be eligible please contact Heather Bell (heather.bell@leics.gov.uk ) or Sarah McCartney (Sarah.mccartney@leics.gov.uk) for more details and they will be happy to help you through the process.

Get in touch now to make the most of this exciting opportunity, all funds need to be spent by November 2011.