Newtown awarded etown status by Google

Web giant Google has named Newtown in the top 12 etowns in the UK.

While everyone bemoans the poor broadband speeds in the area, it turns out that Newtown is in fact a hotspot for ebusiness activitty, according to Google which named Newtown as number 11 in the UK.

The Google eTown Awards are designed to recognise those towns whose businesses are most actively embracing the web.

Google worked with Ipsos MORI to break the UK into its 12 regions and analysed the online strength of local businesses across 1,300 towns.

Those towns with the highest scores in each region were awarded eTown status.

Glyn Davies, MP for Montgomeryshire, said that the web is vital for businesses in rural towns such as Newtown.

"Newtown is proud of its Google eTown award and I'm delighted to represent an area that has truly embraced the internet to help their local businesses to flourish.

"The internet is going to play a key role in Newtown's economic growth, helping local businesses and entrepreneurs thrive," he said.

The top 12 Google eTown award winners in the UK are:

1. Stratford upon Avon, West Midlands

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

3. Richmond, London

4. Stansted, East of England

5. Towcester, East Midlands

6. Bournemouth, South West

7. East Marlow, South East

8. Blackpool, North West

9. Harrogate, Yorkshire & Humberside

10. Blaydon-on-Tyne, North East

11. Newtown, Wales

12. Belfast, Northern Ireland