Remote town gets faster internet

Superfast broadband has arrived in Hawes in what has been a described as a ‘massive but vital undertaking’, Superfast North Yorkshire has announced.

Hundreds of homes and businesses in the town, which is set 850 feet above sea level in the most remote part of Upper Wensleydale, can now benefit from the high speed technology.

Hawes joins more than 2,500 homes and businesses in Leyburn, Gunnerside Bainbridge, Carlton, Wensley, Reeth and Thoralby who also have access to fibre broadband as a result of the Superfast North Yorkshire roll-out.

Councillor John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council and a Hawes businessman, said: “The arrival of superfast broadband will be a transformational game-changer for the remoter communities we have here in the Upper Dales, as it will level the playing field for our deeply rural communities, and allow us to compete with the more populated areas of the country – the towns and the cities. It will present a landmark watershed in communications and opportunities, for both residents and local businesses, and there is here an air of eager anticipation and excitement surrounding the launch.”

Getting the fibre technology from the telephone exchange in Leyburn to the town has involved building the longest fibre feed or ‘spine’ of the Superfast North Yorkshire roll-out to date. More than 17 miles of spine has been put in place.