COMMUNITY computer centres across the town have been awarded £18,000 to update equipment and software.
Ellesmere Port Computer-link, which runs the cyber centres in four of the borough council’s community facilities, has made a successful bid to the Fair Share Trust for funding.
The money will enable the Westminster, Little Sutton, Wolverham and Flatt Lane Community Centres to provide residents with a free internet access drop-in service using the latest IT technology.
Helen Spruin, the borough council’s assistant community venues officer, said: “This is fantastic news for residents and volunteers who support computer users in the centres.
“The doorstep drop-in service is very popular with older people who have never used a computer before, women wanting to return to work, and people who may have gaps in their education and wish to return to learning in a less formal surrounding.”
The cyber centres have provided residents with free access to computers and the internet since they were set up by the borough council and West Cheshire College back in 1999.
Computer-link was established in 2001 when the initial funding ended and continues to provide the free drop-in service to over 400 registered members.
The costs of broadband services and public liability insurance is covered by an annual donation made by Urenco.
