HOUSEHOLDS and businesses plagued with slow or temperamental broadband access are encouraged to take part in a new consultation.

The iNorthumberland project has launched a consultation with hardest to reach rural communities in the region. 

Work continues towards ensuring the as many properties receive a fibre broadband service as possible. 

However in some cases the iNorthumberland says that 'innovative solutions' may be necessary to reach more rural areas. 

So to make sure that all communities with connectivity issues are involved, the project is running drop-in sessions for residents to give information on their connectivity. 

A drop-in event will take place in Stocksfield from 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday, May 25 at the Dr Syntax. 

Funding, generated by high take-up of broadband in the county, is enabling the county council to work with BT to further expand the fibre network.

While the priority is to ensure that fibre technology is always the first choice it is important to explore solutions for premises which potentially might not be reached by the fibre network.

The iNorthumberland team has drawn up a consultation report with detailed postcode information and a proposed map of current known and forecast broadband coverage.

The drop-in sessions will offer residents and businesses the opportunity to discuss the report and understand the connectivity plans.

County councillor for Stocksfield and Broomhaugh, Anne Dale, said: "If fibre broadband is not going to reach some parts of my ward then an alternative technology scheme could be an excellent solution to provide essential coverage to those communities. 

"I have been working hard to establish and document the demand for faster internet services here. 

"As the fibre rollout hasn’t yet been able to deliver a service I believe there is enough interest to explore the possibility of alternative technology scheme."

Councillor Dave Ledger, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council added: "Effective broadband is so important for residents and businesses today and we are determined to do everything that we can to connect all homes and premises.

"Through the iNorthumberland programme we have already delivered or have plans to deliver superfast broadband to the vast majority of properties, and we’re now looking at those homes and businesses outside of the current plans.

"We rely on residents and businesses to tell us about their current situation and what they need for the future. Only in this way can we be sure that we have enough information to develop suitable schemes.

"While our aim is to provide every community in Northumberland with a fibre broadband service we are happy to explore other innovative solutions to ensure that no community is left behind.

"I urge people to come along to the drop-in events and see our plans.”

The consultation report can be viewed online at www.inorthumberland.org.uk/stateaid