THE Flood Relief Centre in Burrowbridge has been supplied with free superfast broadband thanks to Somerset County Council and BT.

When the centre was set up in February this year following the devastating winter floods, a free broadband connection was quickly set up for the centre.

The local exchange for the centre has now been upgraded to superfast fibre broadband thanks to the Connecting Devon and Somerset programme which is providing high speed internet, free of charge, until January.

Paula Blight, co-ordinator for the Somerset Emergency Volunteers, said: “We desperately require superfast broadband to continue to carry out our work supporting the local community.

“Today’s world is internet- led and all our systems rely heavily on the use of emails, websites and the sharing of information.

“Volunteers sign in and out of the centre, they sign out equipment, we give them instructions for jobs and they let us know when these jobs are completed, all online.

“We need this information fast and having superfast broadband will greatly enhance our work.”

Cllr David Hall, deputy leader of Somerset County Council, said: “Many local people affected by the flooding rely on the help and support available at the Flood Relief Centre and the work of the Somerset Emergency Volunteers.

“I am delighted that we have been able to give the centre faster broadband speeds so that people can access what they need to rebuild their lives.”

Paul Coles, BT South West regional manager, said: “We were delighted to be able to help with this vital initiative.

“The key role that superfast fibre broadband is playing at this Flood Relief Centre shows the importance of this exciting technology