Broadband boost for 6,000 Staffordshire properties

Work on the project will begin by Spring next year

About 6,000 homes and businesses are set to get to a boost to their broadband through new funding.

The government is investing £16.5m to improve internet speeds in north-east Staffordshire - including Longnor, Marchington and Alstonefield.

It is part of the government's £5bn Project Gigabit, which aims to make gigabit-broadband available nationwide by 2030.

Work to roll out the full fibre broadband will begin by spring.

Gigabit-capable broadband means download speeds of at least one gigabit-per-second, with fibre-optic cables used to deliver it.

Minister for data and digital infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said: "Lightning-fast gigabit broadband will make sure households don't have to deal with slow internet anymore, and businesses can get more done without problems from old-fashioned copper networks.

"In Staffordshire communities, thousands of residents will experience the benefit of high speed connectivity - supporting business operations, fostering growth, and boosting productivity.

"Work will now begin in these areas and by cultivating the fastest connections, we are not just addressing current needs but positioning the UK for a future where our broadband infrastructure remains resilient for decades to come."