WORK has begun on a community broadband scheme covering several remote areas of Powys that will involve investment of more than £250,000 and connect more than 150 properties.

The UK Government’s department for digital, culture, media and sport and Welsh Government are paying for the project, covering Llanafan Fawr, near Builth Wells, and Llanwrthwl and Elan Village, near Rhayader, through the UK Gigabit Voucher Scheme, which will be delivered by contractor Broadway Partners. The project is also being supported by Powys County Council (PCC).

Survey work has recently started, with the fibre to the premises build predicted to begin later this year.

The Llanafan Fawr and Llanwrthwl Community Broadband Scheme was set up three years ago with the aim of bringing ultrafast broadband to the area and is now being led by a steering group made up of representatives from both communities, including the area’s county councillor David Price and the council’s community broadband officer.

Councillor Beverley Baynham, PCC portfolio holder for corporate governance and regulatory services, said: “The community group, which has driven this project, and Cllr Price, are to be commended for their efforts to bring better connectivity to residents and businesses.

“It has been a long journey for them but should deliver great benefits once completed and is paving the way for other similar projects across the county.”

Cllr Iain McIntosh, PCC’s portfolio holder for economic regeneration, planning and housing, added: “I am delighted that we have been able to help Cllr Price and the Llanafan Fawr and Llanwrthwl communities make their broadband scheme a reality.

“It is vital that we have a level playing field when it comes to access to digital services, and that Powys businesses and communities have the same opportunities as those in other, more urban, parts of the UK.

“I would like to encourage other communities with poor connectivity to get in touch to find out how they can follow in the footsteps of others, by getting similar projects up and running in their areas too.”

The local authority has supported the Llanafan Fawr and Llanwrthwl Community Broadband Scheme as part of its Digital Powys project, which aims to help businesses and communities stay connected. It is also part of its transformation programme to deliver aspirations in its ‘Vision 2025’ corporate improvement plan.

Community broadband schemes are also aiming to achieve similar results in other parts of the county, including in Aberedw and Glascwm, also near Builth, and in Dwyriw and Manafon north of the county.

If you want help to set up your own community broadband scheme in Powys, or to join an existing one, contact Reece Simmons, the council’s community broadband officer, within the council’s regeneration team, on email at broadband@powys.gov.uk.

Further information on improving your broadband connection, including grants and support, can be found on the council’s website; visit https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/10258.