Hexham MP Guy Opperman has welcomed the news that full-fibre broadband will be coming to Darras Hall and he is encouraging all residents to take up the opportunity.

The broadband is being installed by Factco fund who, design, build, maintain and supply full-fibre networks to rural communities.

In partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport similar successful schemes have been rolled out in Rothbury and Stocksfield.

The news follows a local campaign by Simon Tappin and other members of the Darras Hall Community Fibre Scheme, who are seeking to improve the poor broadband that some areas of Darras Hall continue to suffer.

Mr Opperman said: "Following a brilliant local campaign by Simon and all members of the Darras Hall Community Fibre Scheme I am delighted that progress has been made and Darras Hall is being connected to full-fibre.

"I would encourage all residents in Darras Hall to sign-up for the scheme which will improve the long-standing issues with connectivity in the area."

Mr Tappin said: "After a three-year campaign by the Darras Hall Community Fibre Scheme and local residents, we are very pleased to be working with Factco who are self-funding the proposed broadband network rollout.

"As many have found during the pandemic, good internet connectivity is a necessity utility for modern day working and living. We welcome Factco’s investment and commitment in replacing our legacy and outdated broadband infrastructure.

"We believe Factco’s proposed network build-out will provide residents with a huge up lift in available bandwidth today and in the future. Hopefully, this now means Darras Hall will no longer be a broadband black hole."