PEOPLE in Tendring are being urged to play their part in helping to bring superfast broadband to the whole area.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has joined forces with Essex County Council (ECC) and committed to the Superfast Essex Broadband project.

The target is to enable 90% of the population to receive superfast broadband by 2015.

However, TDC says it now wants residents to get involved by registering their interest in the scheme and help push communities in Tendring up the list of those chosen to be delivered earlier in the rollout programme.

The project has already been approved by the Government and plans can be put into action on selecting a service provider and allocating areas for upgrade.

Anyone can register their interest in improving broadband speeds in their area by logging on to www.essex.gov.uk/ruralbroadband and completing a survey.

Upgrade is not guaranteed, but those areas with the most residents registered stand a greater chance of being selected as one of the first for enhancement.

TDC leader Neil Stock said: “This is a great opportunity to have your say about the provision of fast broadband services and it really is up to all of us to get involved and push our communities forward.

“It’s simple - the more people who register, the better chance we have of being one of those areas selected for an earlier upgrade.

“Improved broadband speeds are vital for modern business communications and to improve people’s quality of life.”

TDC has already developed a good working relationship with BT to ensure early upgrades for the Clacton, Frinton, Manningtree and Wivenhoe exchanges but wants the whole district covered.