A CAMPAIGN for better internet speeds in Hill has gathered momentum with more villagers showing their support.


Last week, the Gazette reported that a petition had been launched by villagers in Hill, after residents complained about their poor internet connections, which has been affecting their homes and businesses for months.


The closure of the Natwest bank in Berkeley last month has also meant residents have turned to use online banking, but struggled due to the poor connection.


Social media manager for Hill Village Hall committee, Ginny Mann, who set up the petition, has now gained 66 signatures and has organised for a guest speaker to visit the hall and explain how the situation can be improved.


“We’ve arranged for John Smith, the director of EC Comps in Almondsbury to come to the hall and talk to residents about the internet”, she said.


“He’s been invited to unscramble any wrong ideas villagers have about the internet and offer his expertise and aid us in understanding the situation.


“Once a time is properly confirmed for the date – which is September 3 - I’ll be asking around the village to get an idea of how many people would want to come along. I’m still in the process of collecting signatures for the petition as well.”


A green cabinet in Rockhampton from provider BT, which has a fibre optic cable from the Falfield Exchange 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.


MP for Thornbury and Yate has also supported the villagers, and discussed the internet speeds during a visit on July 29.


He said: “I have written a joint letter with Matthew Riddle, Severn Ward, 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."