Broadband to be upgraded in village hit by fuel leak

Openreach says it will work with local groups to limit disruption when upgrade works begin "in the coming weeks"

A Surrey village which experienced major connectivity issues following disruption caused by a fuel leak is to have its broadband infrastructure upgraded.

Hundreds of houses in Bramley experienced intermittent internet connection last year after a leak from a petrol station meant engineers could not to access underground cables.

However, plans have been announced to roll out full fibre connectivity to 2,500 homes in the area.

Councillor Jane Austin, chair of Bramley Parish Council, said: "The Bramley community has struggled for years with poor connectivity.

"And then the awful fuel leak meant many of us were plunged into no internet or glitchy internet for months on end.

"I can't overstate what a positive difference full fibre rollout will make for Bramley residents and businesses."

In spring 2024 residents in Bramley were advised not to drink tap water after tests by Thames Water found a contamination risk to the local water supply caused by the the fuel leak.

BT Openreach, which announced the rollout of full fibre broadband after the firm regained access to its local network, said its engineers would seek to limit roadworks and closures.

Following the announcement, Sir Jeremy Hunt, MP for Godalming and Ash, said it was "brilliant news for Bramley" following a "tough few years with the fuel leak".

Openreach says work is due to begin "in the coming weeks".