RESIDENTS and businesses are being urged to apply for funds to help improve their internet connection.

Sam Rowlands, MS for North Wales, is supporting a call from Denbighshire County Council.

The Shadow Minister for Local Government said: "Increased demand for fast, reliable internet connectivity has never been so evident than in the past 18 months as we continue to see a greater reliance for online services, with more people still working from home.

“Steps to improve internet connection in rural areas is long overdue and I just hope this scheme will provide an opportunity for both businesses and residents to take action to solve their connectivity issues.

“I urge people to apply for the funds and hopefully this will bring some relief to those who are trying to run a business in these worst affected areas, and to householders who struggle to get a connection.”

The UK and Welsh governments are working together on the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme which covers part of the cost of installing new gigabit-capable internet connections.

Under the partnership £7,000 is available for small-to-medium sized businesses and up to £3,000 is available for residential premises.

The scheme is open to rural premises with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps.

Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire County Council and lead member for the Economy, said they were urging Denbighshire residents in rural locations without decent broadband to check to see if they are eligible for the vouchers.

He said: "Connecting communities is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan and improved internet connections ensure our communities have access to goods and services and help the county’s businesses provide services online.

“It is possible for residents or community groups to work together on applications and the Council is working to advise and assist them with their applications.”

To discuss options email, communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk and to check eligibility for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher, click here.