Broadband set to return after car crash outage

Engineers are replacing the pole before work can begin to restore services

Hundreds of homes and businesses that have been without broadband since a car fire look set to be back online by the weekend.

About 1,000 customers in Beaminster, Dorset, lost their internet service on Sunday when a car crashed into a telegraph pole and burst into flames.

Dorset councillor for Beaminster, Craig Monks, said individual suppliers had given residents varied estimates for reconnection "ranging from tomorrow to three or four weeks".

In an update on Thursday morning, Openreach said it was "aiming to have service restored by the end of Friday, provided there are no unexpected complications".

A spokesperson said: "Our engineers are installing a new pole this morning.

"The damage is extensive, making this a complex repair, but our highly skilled teams are working swiftly and safely to restore service.

"Once the new pole is in place, crews are ready to immediately begin installing overhead cables and reconnecting customers to the network."

The burnt-out car was removed by Dorset Council contractors on Tuesday

The road between Beaminster and the A356 was closed due to the fire in White Sheet Hill at about 22:45 BST on Sunday.

Dorset Police said it was still trying to locate the driver.

Dorset Council arranged for the burnt-out vehicle to be removed on Tuesday so Openreach engineers could start repairs.

Mr Monks said: "Once we are reconnected we will need to ask questions on how this was allowed to happen and how resilient our connection is.

"The internet is vital to residents and businesses."

Schools and a GP surgery are among those affected.

Beaminster St Mary's Academy said its telephone lines were down.

It said in a Facebook update: "If you need to contact us in an emergency, please email us."

Beaminster School urged people to use the phone if they needed to get in touch.

Beaminster Library said it was offering free wi-fi during opening times.