INTERNET users across some parts of the Forest are enjoying faster broadband thanks to the Fastershire project.

Forest of Dean District Council says the news will be a ‘huge boost for the local economy.’

More than 20,000 homes and businesses across Cinderford, Coleford and Whitecroft are benefitting – with the roll-out continuing in Bromsberrow, Dymock and Lydney by the end of the year.

Gloucestershire County Council and BT said the roll-out of high-speed technology was progressing.

Paul Coles, BT’s regional manager for Gloucestershire and the south west, said: “Fastershire is a huge engineering programme and I’m pleased to say it is progressing strongly.

“Our teams are working hard to ensure as many homes and businesses can access fibre as quickly as possible. Coming in the run-up to Christmas, we hope it will be a welcome boost for local people wanting to do some of their shopping online, or take advantage of ‘click and collect’ services.”

Cllr Patrick Molyneux, leader of the Forest Council, added: “We welcome the news that more than 20,000 Forest of Dean premises now have access to faster broadband thanks to the Fastershire project. It will be a huge boost for local businesses and our economy.

“Our business community should be able to acquire a new level of connectivity that is essential for modern-day commerce. It should enable them to work in new ways, more effectively, sharing information with customers and suppliers more easily from all over the globe.”

Cllr Molyneux added: “We will continue to work with our partners to improve access and digital connectivity across our district for the benefit of homes and businesses.”

Residents and businesses can follow the progress of the roll-out via www.fastershire.com

Upgrades do not happen automatically. Once an area has ‘gone live’ with fibre, residents can place an order with an internet service provider of their choice to get download speeds of up to 80 megabits (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 20Mbps.