A TYNEDALE community is to become the first rural area of Northumberland with 100 per cent broadband coverage.

The Stocksfield and Broomhaugh Ward will receive total superfast broadband coverage.

The new and improved coverage follows a consultation exercise carried out by the iNorthumberland project with the hardest to reach rural communities. During this process Whittonstall business DANECO came forward with new commercial plans to extend superfast broadband connectivity into the area.

County Councillor for Stocksfield and Broomhaugh, Anne Dale, has been working with local residents and businesses to identify their connectivity needs.

Coun. Dale said: “We now intend to sign a Partnership Agreement with DANECO to allow them to use the iNorthumberland brand and support them with areas like marketing, engagement, planning and highways. This is a great example of the council working closely with local businesses for the benefit of residents, businesses and the local economy.”

Through the main iNorthumberland programme and with funding from Northumberland County Council, central government and the European Union, BT has already upgraded Stocksfield, Mickley and Riding Mill to superfast broadband services.

Further work will be undertaken in the next 12 months to provide superfast services to New Ridley Village.

This scheme, coupled with these services from BT, will enable 100 per cent coverage of Stocksfield and Broomhaugh within the next year. DANECO and its investors will finance the initiative so there will be no cost to Northumberland taxpayers.