Gigabit broadband will be rolled out on Walney Island

Voneus, a company that specialises in rural broadband, promises that the rollout will be 'efficient and quick' as it does not rely on digging up roads and blocking streets, using existing infrastructure instead. 

The company says that the broadband will 'support the island's economic development' and that residents will be able to switch by the summer. 

A resident surveyed by the MP for Barrow and Furness Simon Fell said: "My work from home can be intensive, and requires a far better connection."

Mr Fell said: "I first met Voneus as part of their work on the Solway Coast and I explained the challenges we’ve faced in bringing ultrafast broadband to Walney Island, which is frankly baffling given that over 10,000 people call it home.

"Thankfully, Voneus agreed to look into a solution for my constituents and I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with them to make it a reality. I wrote to all the residents of Walney and the result of the survey was clear people wanted and needed better broadband.

“I look forward to working with Voneus to get this service rolled out and speaking to local residents about the benefits they are seeing once it is.”

There will be a drop-in at Walney High School's innovation centre on 17 May for Mr Fell and Voneus to answer questions from residents. 

The headteacher John Richardson said: "When Voneus approached us to ask if our school would like to play a part in helping to bring gigabit broadband to the community we were delighted. As a central part of the local community, we want to do all we can to support high speed online access which will help our students and their families access online learning both within school and at home.”