Fast net access funds from EU ; IN BRIEF [Edition 6]

WALDRON and CROSS IN HAND: Rural residents will soon be able tosurf the internet at high speed after a community group helpedsecure more than Pounds 130,000 worth of European funding.

The Heathfield Partnership, along with Wealden District Council,put together a bid for the cash, which will be spent on installinghigh-speed broadband connections in both villages.

The money has been put forward by the Rural DevelopmentProgramme, which in turn is funded partly by the European Union.

The Pounds 137,000 it granted the council will also bringbroadband to Isfield and Upper Dicker.

Roy Galley, cabinet member for planning and development at thedistrict council, said: "Broadband is essential for the prosperityof our district."