RESIDENTS in New Radnor awaiting the arrival of ultra-fast broadband have been told it should be installed by the end of November.

Powys County Council announced at the end of 2021 that funding had been secured to introduce speedy broadband connection to some of Powys’ most remote areas, and New Radnor Community Council took the decision to stake its own claim to speed up internet connectivity in the area by registering their interest in the scheme.

The New Radnor Community Broadband Scheme Facebook page was set up following the original October 2021 meeting, with rural broadband specialists Broadway Partners selected as the chosen firm to undertake the project.

By January 2022 it was announced that registrations of interest by the local community had eclipsed the minimum 30 per cent response required and the project progressed to the next stage.

OTHER NEWS:

Residents have been kept up to date with the project via the council and the Facebook page, with surveyors currently laying the foundations for the build stage, which is set to commence in July. Completion and connection for 95 per cent of properties is scheduled for November 8, 2023.

In its annual report for 2022/23 released earlier this month, New Radnor Community Council provided a detailed summary of the project’s advancement. “The target of 30 per cent of properties was reached in February 2022 and a funding application was submitted to the UK Government in early April and after a short wait the funding was confirmed,” said the council in a statement.

“Broadway Partners continue to meet with the clerk on a regular basis and we are pleased to report that surveying work should now have started with first connections from July. Most of those requesting a connection should receive their installation by the end of November 2023.

“To confirm your wish to be connected you will need to pledge your government funding voucher (this funding cannot be claimed by an individual and will not be paid to Broadway until you confirm that you have a connection.)

“You can still register an interest in the project (with no commitment) by going to the Broadway website (www.broadwaybroadband.co.uk) or you can ring our clerk.”

Make sure you don't miss out on any of our news, sports and features. You'll see fewer adverts and enjoy great high street offers too. Just click here for your Powys County Times digital subscription.

Reece Simmons, Wales manager for Broadway Partners, said: “We have made great progress towards bringing the opportunity of fibre to the premises to all those living and working in New Radnor.

“Thanks to the support of New Radnor Community Council 33 per cent of the properties across New Radnor have registered their interest in being connected to date.

“In 2022 we submitted a funding application under the UK Gigabit Voucher scheme for the New Radnor Community Council boundary which has now been approved (no money has been awarded but this happens instead once we connect properties).

“In 2023 we are planning for the survey work of all the Openreach telegraph poles and underground ducts to be completed before the first half of the year is out. We are then expecting to start our network build and running of fibre out to properties across the area by mid-summer.

“If properties register at this point we are able to offer the connection to the property for free as the government funding subsidises this. Thank you to Tracey and the community council for all their support on this project to date.”

If you’d still like to register your interest in the scheme or to find out more, visit the Broadway Partners website or email council clerk Tracey Price at newradnorcc@outlook.com or visit the council website at www.newradnor.net.