BROADBAND connection speed is some rural areas around Crediton is so slow that it is a real problem not just for businesses but also home owners and other users who want to do things like watch videos online or surf the internet.

Many local parish councils, individuals, businesses and organisations in the area have lobbied for faster broadband speed.

Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, wrote to Phil Norrey, chief executive, Devon County Council, who represents Connecting Devon and Somerset, the partner organisation of councils, etc, which signed a £94 million investment to transform broadband speeds for businesses and residents on January 29, 2013.

Connecting Devon and Somerset signed a contract with BT to ensure that around 90 per cent of premises have access to fibre optic broadband by the end of 2016 and deliver a minimum of 2Mbs for all premises by the end of 2016.

Mel wrote to Mr Norrey regarding the likely improvement in broadband performance and timescale for the roll-out in the Yeoford and Crediton Hamlets areas.

Mr Norrey wrote: "I am pleased to be able to tell you that premises within the Crediton Hamlets area are scheduled to receive superfast/improved broadband connectivity by March 2014 and are therefore within the first Phase of our deployment.

"Yeoford should start to see deployment in the middle of 2014 with further build by Autumn 2014.

"This is obviously subject to the results of the survey work in the areas and confirmation by our supplier, BT.

Updates will be published on the map to communicate these developments on our website, found at: http://www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk">www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk .

"I hope that this helps to explain the indicative roll-out for these areas."

Mel added: "I have fought hard, over several years for a better broadband service for our more remote rural areas and I am delighted that both Credition Hamlets and Yeoford should be benefiting in the not too distant future.

"Although it is typically more expensive to roll out faster broadband to our more remote areas, these are, in fact, the very places where it is most needed."

Mr Stride, who has raised the issue of rural broadband on the floor of the House of Commons on a number of occasions, added: "I will continue to press Government and Connecting Devon and Somerset to improve services for all my constituents."

Connecting Devon and Somerset say that access to improved and superfast broadband has the potential to transform the local economy, enabling businesses to work more effectively, access new markets, work flexibly, collaborate and innovate.

It says the challenge and scale of the project is substantial but once completed will mean Devon and Somerset will have access to world class broadband, serving residents and businesses for decades to come!

• Would faster broadband be a benefit to you, your business or organisation? Do you live in Crediton Hamlets and Yeoford and what would faster broadband mean to you?

If you have a view you wish to share with fellow "Courier" readers, please email a letter to: [email protected]">[email protected] .

Alan Quick