INTRODUCTION
For some time, residents of both Dentdale and Garsdale have wanted to improve the provision of broadband in order to secure the long-term economic and social well-being of their areas. In 2010, with the support of Garsdale and Dent Parish Councils, a group was formed, to bring this about and in 2011 it became fibre GarDen, the Garsdale and Dentdale community broadband initiative.

fibre GarDen has agreed the following objectives against which the success of the project will be measured. Broadband provision in Garsdale and Dentdale will:

  • be future-proof

  • be 100% inclusive of all properties in the dales to maintain community cohesion

  • provide infrastructure which supports a range of uses determined by the user

  • be under community control

fibre GarDen is formally recognised by both Garsdale and Dentdale Parish Councils, both of which have members sitting on the steering committee. Members of the fibre GarDen steering group include industry leaders in fibre optic networks and national broadband provision who have experience in fund-raising, lobbying and communications.

PROPOSITION

fibre GarDen proposes to provide optic fibre to each property in both dales and a broadband service at an operational cost which matches that in commercially viable areas. This is the only future-proof solution and is essential in securing the long term future of the dales by matching the communication infrastructure of urban areas. We propose to achieve this by securing capital funding for network construction and through competitive tendering for backhaul and maintenance services. The network will be overseen by a Community Interest Company.

DEVELOPMENT

fibre GarDen is at an advanced stage of developing its business model to support its proposition. The timetable for its completion will enable fibre GarDen to seek funding from within the Cumbria County Council BDUK pilot scheme if enabled to do so.

 
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