Page 26 - December 2015 Issue 300

26 THE NEW COUNTESTHORPE HERALD
VILLAGE BROADBAND
DISRUPTION
David Jennings asked the following of the County Council’s Team Manager, (Network Management and Business Support).
Virgin are making a right mess of installing new super fast broadband in Countesthorpe. While I do welcome its arrival, I have never received any information whatsoever from anyone concerning this. They are at present working close to where I live ( but I am not personally affected by it ). Many people are asking me what is going on. I do not know !! Work is very slow. People are getting upset. Will someone please give me information which I lack at present.
The following very full answer was offered.
Virgin Media are undertaking major works to install superfast broadband infrastructure in various locations throughout Leicestershire; this is part of a wider national programme including works in Derbyshire for example. The initial phase of this project within Leicestershire is taking place in the Blaby area, but future phases will include other areas throughout the County.
As a utility, Virgin Media have the statutory right to undertake these works but have to comply with legislation outlined in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. The legislation states that all utilities must inform the Highway Authority of their intentions through regular co-ordination meetings and must issue street works notices confirming when works are planned to take place.
I can state that Virgin Media have complied with these requirements, however where they have failed is by not informing local residents of the intended programme of works, (which is the responsibility of the utility), this matter has been brought to my attention previously whereupon the directive to improve communication was given. I will, of course, as a result of your email highlight this issue once again and ensure that any effected residents are furnished with the information in a timely manner.
As with all works of this nature, any excavation and subsequent reinstatement is subject to inspection by officers from Leicestershire County Council whereupon any substandard works can be brought to the attention of the utility in question and should there be a need for any remedial works to take place an instruction is raised accordingly. As you may appreciate with such a large project, the inspectors cannot always act upon an issue that arises immediately, however I can give you an assurance that as soon as they are made aware or carry out a routine inspection of the works remedial works are instigated as described.
Notwithstanding the issue of communication from Virgin Media, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight the existence of a website, namely www.roadworks.org that allows the general public to access information relating to all works being promoted by utilities, this will give information relating to who is intending to carry works out in a particular locality and likely timescales for the work. It will also give a reference number to quote should anyone wish to discuss specific works with the Highway Authority.
DECEMBER 2015
Concluding, I trust this information gives you an overview of the works being undertaken by Virgin Media, however if you wish to discuss any aspects of this project further please do not hesitate to contact myself in the first instance. In addition, if there are any specific location causing concern or you would like an inspector to visit, again please let me know in the first instance.
SEAT TO REMEMBER
In September Bette Bolton and family dedicated a seat to Countesthorpe Bowls Club in celebration of Alan Bolton’s life. Alan, sadly, passed away in May 2015 both he and his wife Bette had been members of the Bowls Club for over 30 years. Bette thought it would be something for everyone who comes to the bowls club to use, enjoy and remember Alan.
COUNTESTHORPE
VILLAGE HALL
Award winning village hall available for all types of functions
c Main Hall seats 175
c Separate Bar Lounge
c Large Fully Equipped Kitchen c Facilities for Disabled
c Large Car Park
Contact the Village Hall Office for details
Tel. 0116 277 9518 email
clerk@countesthorpeparishcouncil.co.uk
website
www.countesthorpeparishcouncil.co.uk