THE PROGRESS of superfast broadband through North Yorkshire has been praised by William Hague MP as the technology is rolled out in Richmondshire.

Mr Hague today met leader of Richmondshire District Council John Blackie and Bill Murphy, BT’s managing director of Superfast North Yorkshire, to learn more about the roll-out of fibre broadband in his constituency.

The MP joined the Superfast North Yorkshire team at The Station in Richmond, visiting a mobile showcase of the technology to find out how it works and to emphasise why faster broadband speeds are essential for future success and prosperity.

He urged local people to reap the benefits of high-speed fibre broadband, which is now available in many parts of his constituency, including Richmond, Catterick, Leyburn, and Skeeby.

He said: “Broadband is an essential part of our present and future. It’s vital that we embrace this latest generation of technology in order for our local economy to remain competitive.

“The fact that more than 14,000 homes and businesses in Richmondshire can now order fibre broadband is fantastic, and I look forward to news of further upgrades in the coming months.”

Coun Blackie said: “The arrival of superfast broadband in many parts of Richmondshire levels the playing field for our residents and businesses, allowing them access to the world from their laptop or desktop, be it to browse, to shop, complete school homework, or work better from home.

“For some deeply rural communities here in the district devoid of any form of modern communication, it will bring the 21st Century into their midst for the very first time.”

To help businesses in North Yorkshire take advantage of the faster broadband speeds, a support service has been put in place to provide free services such as training workshops, skills master classes and business development events.

For more information contact 0845-0020021 enquiries@sfny.co.uk.