After two months of delay while B4RN have been checking the broadband network design for the parishes of Preston Patrick and Old Hutton & Holmescales, the routes have been signed off which means that construction can start in earnest. B4RN is still checking the design for New Hutton which they received later. A contractor has been booked for March to start installation. Major building work at the J36 Auction Mart has meant that the cabinet there is not yet in operation and we cannot install the first length of duct along the two routes which will come from that point. However, the Lupton broadband line at the northern end of that parish is now live so the first full section of our network to be installed will be from there crossing the northern part of Preston Patrick roughly beside the B6254 to the electronics cabinet at Old Hutton. Some farmers are also keen to start installing duct themselves across their fields before grass starts growing in spring. During February more duct has been laid along the Town House and Eskrigg End spurs. B4RN have been asked to place the electronics cabinet on the site we have already prepared at Old Hutton Public Hall.
Because the networks in two parishes have been approved, they can now be made public. The locations of chambers serving hamlets are also known. A meeting has been held in Preston Patrick to show the network and to describe to both local champions and other residents of the parish the exact steps which need to be followed to establish the routes of service lines from the local chamber to each house. If you missed this meeting and want to know more, please contact Peter Winter. A meeting in Old Hutton had not been arranged when this update was written but we hope it will have happened before the end of February. Please contact John Heap if you missed it and want to know what was said.
After the parish meeting the local champions will be in touch with residents including not only those who have registered an interest in connecting to the network but also those who have not. We need to know who have not yet decided. The champions’ first main task is to liaise with residents to decide the exact routes to be followed from the local chamber to the house. We strongly advise home owners to have a connection as it does not have to be used but will be ready for generations to come and will increase the value of the house.
Much planning has already been done in some hamlets. All the routes of service lines and almost all wayleave agreements have been signed in Bleaze, Eskrigg End, Middleshaw and St.John’s. A not-for-profit company, South Westmorland Broadband Community Ltd (SWB Community Ltd), has been formed and financed by eight residents. Its purpose is to buy a micro-digger which can be used by any group in the parishes free of charge to install service lines in gardens and elsewhere. The parish councils have generously agreed to underwrite the scheme by hiring the digger for the use of parishioners. The digger will also generate income by doing work for B4RN along trunk and spur routes when it is not being used on service lines. Some hand tools have also been bought to help with installation.
More milestones have been passed in the number of homes and businesses registering to connect to the network. The total figure is now 371 (77.3%) including more than 82% in both New Hutton and Old Hutton & Holmescales. Total investment stands at £337,450.
If you have any questions please do contact us.
Because the networks in two parishes have been approved, they can now be made public. The locations of chambers serving hamlets are also known. A meeting has been held in Preston Patrick to show the network and to describe to both local champions and other residents of the parish the exact steps which need to be followed to establish the routes of service lines from the local chamber to each house. If you missed this meeting and want to know more, please contact Peter Winter. A meeting in Old Hutton had not been arranged when this update was written but we hope it will have happened before the end of February. Please contact John Heap if you missed it and want to know what was said.
After the parish meeting the local champions will be in touch with residents including not only those who have registered an interest in connecting to the network but also those who have not. We need to know who have not yet decided. The champions’ first main task is to liaise with residents to decide the exact routes to be followed from the local chamber to the house. We strongly advise home owners to have a connection as it does not have to be used but will be ready for generations to come and will increase the value of the house.
Much planning has already been done in some hamlets. All the routes of service lines and almost all wayleave agreements have been signed in Bleaze, Eskrigg End, Middleshaw and St.John’s. A not-for-profit company, South Westmorland Broadband Community Ltd (SWB Community Ltd), has been formed and financed by eight residents. Its purpose is to buy a micro-digger which can be used by any group in the parishes free of charge to install service lines in gardens and elsewhere. The parish councils have generously agreed to underwrite the scheme by hiring the digger for the use of parishioners. The digger will also generate income by doing work for B4RN along trunk and spur routes when it is not being used on service lines. Some hand tools have also been bought to help with installation.
More milestones have been passed in the number of homes and businesses registering to connect to the network. The total figure is now 371 (77.3%) including more than 82% in both New Hutton and Old Hutton & Holmescales. Total investment stands at £337,450.
If you have any questions please do contact us.
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