Graham Stuart says connectivity key to thriving community

Graham Stuart MP has praised broadband provider KCOM for helping to unleash online opportunities in Withernsea.

The Beverley and Holderness MP joined KCOM at the South Holderness Resource (SHoRes) Centre, in Withernsea, on Friday to see the work KCOM is doing to help bridge the digital divide in the seaside community.

As part of Get Online Week 2025, the KCOM team were in town to talk to local residents about its new affordable Flex broadband packages, while also promoting its free public Wi-Fi which is now available in Withernsea and along its scenic promenade.

Graham Stuart said: “KCOM has done great work to boost digital access in towns like Withernsea and it’s just a part of the regeneration we need.

“For Withernsea to thrive, people need decent internet access at a reasonable price and I want to see the infrastructure in Withernsea power shops, home workers and online businesses.

“Withernsea is on the cusp of exciting regeneration opportunities and I’m delighted that KCOM is playing its part in the community.”

The event at the SHoRes Centre was just one of a number of initiatives KCOM is running in Withernsea to help improve local life and boost digital inclusion. It follows initiatives such as KCOM’s public Wi-Fi partnership with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the new Flex affordable broadband package, which are creating more online opportunities and making the digital world more accessible than ever before.

As well as sponsoring Withernsea United AFC, KCOM also partnered with legendary local chippy Seasiders for a “Full Fibre Fryday”, giving away free chippy teas to residents, and making a £10 donation to Withernsea Lifeboat Station for every fish fried.

Susan Adams, KCOM’s Director of Corporate Affairs, added: “It’s great to be able to welcome Graham to Withernsea today to see the pivotal role KCOM is playing to promote digital inclusivity, not just in Withernsea but across the whole East Riding.

“Graham has long championed better connectivity for rural communities in his constituency and we’re proud of the work we’re doing to enhance that even further in Withernsea.

“Added to that, you can’t beat a free chippy tea! – especially when it’s benefitting the local heroes of the Withernsea RNLI who regularly risk their lives to help others on the Holderness coast.”