There have been calls to clear up confusion regarding the instillation of high-speed broadband near Bishop’s castle.

Voneus who have been given the contract to install full fibre broadband in the are to help connectivity in rural areas have been criticised by local councillors due to poor communication about who it will affect.

Councillor for Chirbury and Worthen, Heather Kidd, has called on the company to be “more forthcoming” with clearer information for residents.   

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“Basically this is good news bringing broadband to rural dwellers who have suffered until now with a poor connection,” said Cllr Kidd.

“However, we have had very, very little information about precisely who is receiving the new fibre connection, who is not, and what the timescale is for delivery.

“All we have had is one large scale map of Western Shropshire covered in yellow dots that gives very little detail”

“Work is being carried out by Voneus or their contractors in preparation for delivering full-fibre broadband. Several places have seen fibre work going on around roads and on verges and residents have kept asking me about it.”

Voneus bought SWS Broadband last year. In April 2024 the organisation set up by the Government to deliver broadband gave the company the £12 million contract for mid-west Shropshire which deals with 6,089 premises. This is to be delivered by the end of 2026.

(Image: NQ)

“It would be really helpful if Voneus would talk to communities, parish and County Councillors to give us more detail – and even advertise it! It should be a rural good news story after all this time,” said Cllr Kidd.

“What also concerns me is Voneus’ track record on delivery of their existing service .Since VONEUS took over from SWS is providing broadband cover for much of our area there have been many complaints about the service.

“They are now assuring me that existing service will be improved over the next week or so.”

The County Times approached the company for comment regarding Cllr Kidd’s concerns.

A Voneus spokesperson said: “We appreciate the comments and concerns raised by Cllr Kidd. We will increase community communication whilst we complete a number of fibre network builds across Shropshire and share more details about our future build plan."