I am delighted to announce that the Government has made two significant funding pledges for West Berkshire as part of its Getting Building Funding. Both will be administered by the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (who I spoke to on Zoom last week) as part of an overall package of £7.5 million for the Thames Valley:
- The Government is funding a 475 sq metre Renewable Resources Centre at Newbury College to train Newburys electricians, plumbers and engineers to lead a green recovery. I visited this a few days ago.
They say: “The facility will generate economic benefit by increasing the number of qualified engineers able to install energy efficient systems. And it will provide training for servicing and maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles, responding to increased demand for these skills from the motor industry.”
- The Government is investing in full fibre broadband connection for rural communities across West Berkshire estimated to reach approximately 1620 homes.
They say: “This will bring gigabit connectivity to all schools across West Berkshire. It will enable them to become digital community hubs & aid adult education & reskilling. Communities adjacent to connected schools will also be able to access gigabit connectivity via the new digital infrastructure.”
I am thrilled that we have secured this funding which boosts training, skills and opportunities across West Berkshire and places us at the heart of the green recovery in the South East.