Telford MP, Lucy Allan, has received an update on how the Superfast Telford project is rolling out from Telford and Wrekin Council’s portfolio holder for Transport, Customer and Neighbourhood Services Cllr Angela McClements and project officer Claire Critchley. Ward councillor for Ironbridge Gorge, Nicola Lowery also attended to hear how Ironbridge was benefitting from the project.
The Superfast Telford project is a partnership between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Telford and Wrekin Council, the Marches LEP and BT Openreach. At a total cost of £5.6 million the scheme will deliver superfast broadband to 9,300 properties.
During the briefing Lucy was updated on the schemes progress to date which when completed will, in conjunction with private providers, mean that superfast broadband is available to approximately 98% of Telford and Wrekin properties. It is hoped that saving and clawback in the project will allow roll out to those currently set to miss out.
During the meeting Lucy raised concerns about the installation of fibre broadband being installed during the development of new build areas. The Council is tackling this obligation through its new Local Plan however this is yet to be inspected by DCLG.
The scheme in Ironbridge has seen three cabinets go live bringing superfast broadband to around 950 out of 1600 properties in the Gorge.
Speaking after the briefing Lucy Allan MP said: “I’m glad Angela and Claire could brief me on the progress of the roll out. This is a project that will make a big difference to Telford and I pledged in my election campaign to improve Telford’s digital connections.
“It is vital that all parts of Telford have broadband that meets people’s needs. With more of our day-to-day lives being online, good broadband is shifting from being desirable to be being essential. I hope that the project will be able to claw back funds to bring more properties into the scope of the roll-out.”
Cllr Nicola Lowery added: “Whilst many may just think of the Ironbridge Gorge as an historical site there is still plenty going on and superfast broadband will make a big difference.
“Both tourism and industry in the Gorge need to be able to connect with customers and suppliers in a timely manner and so this roll out will enable this to happen. It is vital that as many properties as possible are able to benefit from the roll-out.”
More information on the project can be found at: www.superfast-telford.co.uk