A RURAL parish near Redditch and Bromsgrove has become the latest Worcestershire community to benefit from superfast broadband.

For years Bentley Pauncefoot residents have struggled with some of the worst internet speeds in the country with the highest speed at just 1 megabits per second.

The Covid pandemic highlighted the issue as residents were not able to take part in Zoom calls with loved ones, family online quizzes or streaming films in HD or 4K.

However, thanks to Worcestershire County Council’s superfast broadband project, Openreach has now installed ‘gold standards’ internet connectivity across the parish.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for economy, infrastructure, and skills, said: “Bentley Pauncefoot Parish Council reached out to the team from Superfast Worcestershire to carry out much-needed improvements to the parish’s internet connectivity.

“Openreach has now installed ‘gold standard’ internet connectivity across the parish.

“It means residents have access to the very best, and fastest, internet connectivity available. 

“Even the most remote properties can now enjoy internet service up to 1Gbps.”

Before the upgrade, some residents had no service and no mobile signal either, with their only option purchasing satellite internet.

Roz Bewsher, chair of Bentley Pauncefoot Parish Council, said she is proud that the parish has achieved improved broadband.

She said: “I believe we have repaid the faith Worcestershire County Council's Connectivity Team and Openreach placed in us by the high take-up of the service.

“It has taken a lot longer than we would have wished, and a lot of effort from the parish council and residents willing to act as ‘bid leaders’ across the parish, but I am extremely proud that we have achieved something that is so critical to our residents.”