FRUSTRATED villagers have signed a petition calling for improvements to the “pathetic” internet connection at their homes and businesses.


Residents in Hill have complained about the poor internet speed for months, and a recent visit from MP for Thornbury and Yate Luke Hall has spurred on their efforts to improve the service.


With many residents forced to use online banking since the closure of the Natwest branch in Berkeley on July 29, the slow internet speed is proving a major problem.


Ginny Mann, the social media manager for Hill Village Hall committee, has set up a petition which calls for BT to improve the internet connection in the area.


“This has been an issue in the village for a long time now, and I think many residents have felt they’ve had to just get used to it,” she said.


“I have put together a petition regarding the need for faster internet speeds and gone around most of the houses so far.


“All but one have signed willingly and gratefully, with more than 50 people wanting improved connection.


“I thought it might help to have all the names in one place to show the strength of feeling. Now, the committee will organise further meetings to put together information about how many people are being affected.”


A BT cabinet in Rockhampton is supposed to provide broadband to Hill, but residents say it does not serve the village as the signal drops off due to the distance.


Resident Daryl Thomas, 52, said: “This has been such a problem over the years, with me trying to run a business and with my children trying to do school work. It is quicker to do emails and the like on a mobile phone with only G data, not even 3G.

"That really is how slow and pathetic the speed is.”


Mr Hall said: “Access to high speed broadband is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity for businesses and families across South Gloucestershire.

"I have written a joint letter with Cllr Matthew Riddle, who represents the Severn Ward on South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), to the director of BT, asking him to consider installing a new cabinet in Hill. I will keep pushing this matter and I will be keeping local residents updated.”


SGC and BT told the Gazette they are currently planning the second phase of a rollout of super-fast broadband, which is part of the national scheme to give 95 per cent of the UK coverage by the end of 2017.


But a SGC spokesman said there is not enough money to provide super-fast broadband to the whole of South Gloucestershire, so Hill could miss out.


“Whilst it is possible that Hill could be upgraded, at the moment it is too early to be able to confirm which areas will be included in the rollout.” he said.