RESIDENTS across Northwich could soon have access to some of the fastest broadband speeds in Europe.

Openreach has outlined plans to make ultra-reliable and gigabit-capable full fibre broadband available to homes and businesses across town.

Under new plans, broadband infrastructure will be improved in the town centre as well as Hartford, Greenbank, Winnington and Barnton.

It is hoped the project, which will be completed without taxpayer subsidy, will help Northwich's economy as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic in the years ahead.

Clive Selley, chief executive at Openreach, said: “This year we’ve all seen the importance of having a decent broadband connection and at Openreach, we’re convinced that full fibre technology can underpin the UK’s economic recovery.

“Right now, we’re building a new, ultra-reliable full-fibre network that will boost productivity, cut commuting and carbon emissions, and connect our families, public services and businesses for decades to come."

Work is expected to get underway in the next 12 to 18 months, although some locations will see work continue into 2024.

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It is part of a wider project to reach 3.2 million premises in the UK's 'final third' of more rural properties which are hardest to reach with top quality broadband.

Use a postcode checker to see what is available where you live at openreach.com/fibre-broadband