Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has welcomed today’s announcement by the Welsh Government that a further 3,470 properties in Conwy and Denbighshire are to get high speed broadband, but stressed that there is still much work to be done to ensure that nobody is left behind.  

The Welsh Government have announced an extension to its superfast fibre project, which will increase the number of properties that will benefit from 26,000 to 39,000.

However, while it has been revealed that the extension will apply to 1,608 properties in Conwy and a further 1,862 in Denbighshire, it’s not clear which properties will benefit yet and Darren is concerned that it’s a very long time window for completion.

He said:

“The last few months, with more people than ever working from home, has demonstrated more than ever the essential need for superfast broadband, so I very much welcome the fact that more properties in Clwyd West are to benefit from high speed broadband.

“However, in announcing the news the Welsh Government have provided no indication as to which properties are to benefit. Also the completion time for this project is extensive, which is incredibly frustrating for all those households that are currently struggling with slow broadband speeds.  

“Throughout the covid-19 pandemic I have been receiving a vast number of emails from constituents, particularly those living in rural areas, who were really struggling to carry out their work and studies because internet connections are so poor. It is likely that many people will need to continue working or studying from home for the foreseeable future and therefore there is no time to waste on this.  

“In this day and age, everyone should have access to a decent broadband connection, and therefore, whilst this extension is to be welcomed, the Welsh Government has much more work to do to ensure that nobody in Wales gets left behind.”