End of 2017 pledge for broadband boost

Assurances given on village’s superfast connection

Residents of Stonehouse have been assured that they will be connected to the superfast broadband programme by the end of 2017.

According to Fergus Ewing, The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, the £400 million investment from the Scottish Government and selected partners, will continue throughout the year, aiming for a 100 per cent connectivity rate by the end of 2021.

The Cabinet Secretary was questioned by Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP, Christina Mckelvie, during Scottish Parliament Portfolio Question time.

It was during the question session that it was revealed that 4215 premises in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency had already been connected to the broadband programme.

Speaking during the debate, Christina Mckelvie said: “I am sure that the 4215 premises in my constituency will welcome the response from the Scottish Government.

“However, constituents from the village of Stonehouse have had a very difficult time with getting access to broadband.

“Will the Cabinet Secretary look into the particular problems that my constituents in Stonehouse face and reassure them that everything possible is being done to provide them with a quality service from the £400 million investment?”

Responding to the Stonehouse MSP, the Cabinet Secretary stated: “Yes, I am happy to provide Ms Mckelvie with that assurance, and I would be happy to receive more details from her if she wished to provide them.

“I am aware that BT handles many of these cases, but I am very happy to take up any particular case with Ms Mckelvie, who is obviously working hard for her constituents on that serious matter.

Commenting after the debate, Christina added: “Many Stonehouse constituents have contacted me regarding their connectivity issues in the area – I was proud to represent them in the Scottish Parliament in my exchange with the Cabinet Secretary.

“I am glad that I was able to ask direct questions of the Government, who in turn provided me with a direct answer: we’re here to help.

“I would advise anyone still experiencing connectivity issues to get in touch with me, so we can all work together to put Stonehouse on the grid.”

To register your broadband with the MSP telephone her constituency office on 01698 403 311 or E-mail: christina. mckelvie.msp@parliament.scot