Community
Broadband is undeniably a powerful communications tool, yet only a tool. We see excellent
and modern communications as a catalyst for wider economic and social developments. The
benefits can be particularly dramatic for rural areas as new communications tools, such
as Broadband, help individuals and businesses overcome the obstacles of distance and time.
The greatest impact and benefits are gained when as many people as possible join a communications
network. For example, there isn't much point in having a telephone if there are precious
few with whom to talk. The same applies to Broadband.
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PROGRAMMES
Therefore the initial concept of the Buckfastleigh Broadband Project was to look at a community
as a whole and come up with an integrated approach to bringing this powerful tool to as many
people as possible. The project also began within the context of the town's future and long-term
development plans. This led to identifying four key areas of focus - Business, Education,
Health and 'Community in its broad sense.' The details of the programmes that have been developed
in these four areas can be found by clicking on 'Programmes.'
In addition to these four areas, it was important for the project to share experiences
and learning with others. This we do through this website and an Outreach Programme.
Also, a research team at Plymouth University with an ongoing interest and involvement in
the use of modern information and communications technologies (ICT) by individuals and groups
in rural areas, proposed to study the impact of Broadband on Buckfastleigh. This led to
an independent Research Programme with the
university.
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See our location from multimap |
LOCATION
Buckfastleigh is a small, rural market town of approximately 3,600 residents located within
Dartmoor National Park and just off the A38, halfway between the cities of Exeter and Plymouth.
The town has a long and proud history, of which a major part is its industrial heritage. The
town had one of the largest woollen industries in the South West, along with other associated
trades, up until about 1976. The loss of these traditional and long-standing industries still
presents a large challenge to the community economically and socially. There are parallels
that can be drawn with the experiences of other rural communities across the country. Although
Broadband cannot be a replacement, it has a serious role to play in the rejuvenation of communities.
The public facilities - primary school, health centre, town hall and library - were identified
as the key, strategic locations to bring Broadband to the largest
number of residents in the quickest possible way. Another important aspect to this strategy
was to provide a Broadband Public Access Centre, called 'WAVE.'
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