MORE than 7,500 extra homes and businesses in Halton now have access to high speed fibre broadband, taking the borough’s total coverage to 96 per cent.

So far 43 additional new roadside fibre cabinets have been installed across Runcorn, Widnes, Hale and Moore by Connecting Cheshire, a partnership between Halton, Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East and Warrington Councils and BT.

When commercial companies’ roll outs are added to this, the combined fibre broadband coverage for Halton is 96 per cent of premises.

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill, said: “The additional broadband coverage we have brought to Halton is already making a big impact and helping to keep our businesses competitive, including Astmoor Industrial Estate.

“More coverage is coming soon in our phase two roll-out so that we can reach even more premises, especially those in our industrial areas.

“I urge everyone to check their availability and upgrade to superfast broadband as it offers many fantastic benefits for your home or business, and it could well be cheaper as the market is very competitive.”

Connection does not happen automatically and people must contact their communication provider. There are more than 140 of them across the UK to order the service.

Tony Morgan, BT’s contract director said: “High speed fibre broadband helps to keep communities connected and ensures that businesses thrive and don’t just survive.

“Since 2007 BT has laid the foundations of the network for local authorities like Halton to build on.

“People and businesses in Halton are increasingly taking the opportunities that this transforming technology offers.

"The Openreach engineers have worked closely with the council to create more and more of those opportunities.”