Anger over broadband in Garsdale

2.14.47pm GMT Thu 15th Feb 2007

Local residents in Garsdale are getting a raw deal when it comes to broadband, despite large sums of money which have been poured into the county since the foot and mouth epidemic.

BT are accepting orders for broadband at the higher end of the valley even though there are a number of residents who have paid for the service already, and found that it doesn't work because the homes are too far from the exchange in Sedbergh. BT have then demanded cancellation payments from residents to break the contract.

Tim said: "Local businesses and resident in Garsdale would benefit massively from access to broadband, and this was exactly the sort of area which was supposed to benefit from funding in the aftermath of the foot and mouth epidemic.

"What's even more galling is the fact that the Moorcock Inn and a handful of properties at Garsdale Head which happen to be connected to the Hawes exchange can apparently get broadband without a problem!

"BT need to get their house in order, and sort out the access problems to broadband in Garsdale. In the interim they need to call a halt to the ridiculous situation where they accept orders for broadband but then demand cancellation payments when the connection doesn't work."

Tim has written to BT, OFCOM and the Department of Trade and Industry to raise this issue, and is waiting for responses.