THE VILLAGE Bentley Pauncefoot has received high-speed internet after residents struggled for years with some of the worst internet speeds in the Country.
Some residents before the new installation experienced no service, and their only option was originally paying for extremely expensive satellite internet.
Roz Bewsher, Chair of Bentley Pauncefoot Parish Council, said: “It has taken a lot longer than we would have wished, and a lot of effort from the Parish Council and residents willing to act as ‘bid leaders’ across the parish.
“I am extremely proud that we have achieved something that is so critical to our residents.”
The Coronavirus pandemic had highlighted the parish’s internet problems which meant during lockdown there were no zoom calls, no joining in family online quizzes or streaming films.
The Worcestershire County Council’s broadband team had worked with their partner Openreach to provide more reliable and future-proofed full-fibre broadband.
Coun Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, said: “Bentley Pauncefoot Parish Council reached out to the team from Superfast Worcestershire to carry out much-needed improvements to the parish’s internet connectivity.
“Openreach has now installed ‘gold standard’ internet connectivity across the parish.
“It means residents have access to the very best, and fastest, internet connectivity available.
“Even the most remote properties can now enjoy internet service up to 1Gbps.”
Superfast Worcestershire is a programme created to bring Superfast broadband to 97% of homes and businesses in the county.
The network aims to transform broadband speeds across Worcestershire, especially its rural areas.
Visit worcestershire.gov.uk/superfast for more information.
