BETTER broadband connections across Winsford will be a 'massive boost' to businesses says Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson.

He recently went to see the BT Openreach roll-out of full fibre broadband across the town, which is well on the way to being completed.

In light of more people home working and schooling due to Covid-19, the MP says broadband has become a 'vital utility' but the pandemic has exposed a 'digital divide'.

Mr Timpson said: "This digital infrastructure is a key part of levelling up the country, and will be a massive boost for Winsford businesses, both large and small, as well as many of the home-based enterprises right across Cheshire.

"Although it's no substitute for face-to-face learning at school – and all the social, mental, emotional and physical benefits that brings – decent internet access at home will also help many pupils and parents to access a greater range and quality of learning materials.

"I'm working closely with Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council, BT Openreach, other broadband providers, and Government ministers to ensure we get the best possible broadband and mobile phone coverage, as soon as possible.

"The Government has put its money where its mouth is, and committed £5 billion to this national effort."

Mr Timpson added that this is his top Government policy.

"With four children at home during lockdown, ranging from four to 17 years of age, our broadband connection, which is more dodgy than decent, has taken a real hammering," he said.

"Thankfully I didn't suffer a drop-out during my virtual questions and speeches to the House of Commons, but it has made my mission to get gigabit-capable broadband available right across our area of Cheshire a personal one.

"Where I live, Kelsall households have come together to get a Community Fibre Partnership set up, which allows them to apply for Government Gigabit vouchers so that the infrastructure project can be delivered at no cost to residents.

"With working from home becoming a feature of life, I'm helping other parts of the constituency to do the same."

Mr Timpson is now keen to 'narrow the gap' so all children are school-ready when they reach age five, in light of the irregularities caused to education due to lockdown.

He is co-chairing a Commission into the Early Years with Labour MP Sharon Hodgson to find better ways of helping families and toddlers achieve the best start in life.

He is also leading a task force looking at physical education and how it can play a pivotal role in improving children's physical, mental and emotional health, as well as their academic attainment.

As well as broadband and schooling, Mr Timpson is keen to improve transport services for Winsford residents.

He explained: "As Winsford is on the West Coast Main Line, I have used the station myself to travel to Liverpool and Birmingham, but the frequency of trains is still limited.

"With Winsford growing as a business and light industrial centre, there's a strong case for more regular train service.

"Winsford Station Quarter plans—if they happen—will increase the local residential population looking to use the rail network.

"Also, bizarrely, there is no railway station between Crewe and Chester, which makes my bid for the Department for Transport to reopen Beeston Castle & Tarporley Station all the more important.

"Work continues apace on the technical case for that.

"Finally, good bus services can have a transformative role in places like rural Cheshire, unlocking job opportunities, boosting businesses and supporting economic growth.

"That's why I campaigned on better bus connections for our villages at the last election.

"The new National Strategy Bus Strategy, backed by £3 billion, will help deliver on that campaign pledge—paving the way for simpler fares, more reliable services, and better connections across every part of the country."

Looking forward, Mr Timpson is excited for the development of Winsford Town Centre.

He said: "It makes real the plans to transform the town centre into a vibrant, attractive, and outward-facing space for the whole community—with services, facilities and entertainment fit for future generations.

"It will also help bring more jobs and investment into Winsford as we recover from the pandemic.

"I’m grateful to the Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick, for listening to and acting on our strong case for support."

You can visit edwardtimpson.com/contact, call 01829 733 385, or write to 58A High Street, Tarporley, CW6 0AG.