CLWYD South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed plans by Openreach to build full-fibre broadband to Wales’ hardest-to-serve communities, particularly around Denbighshire and Wrexham.

Openreach have recently announced that a total of 140 exchanges across Wales will be upgraded, with rural homes set to benefit the most.

In Clwyd South, the exchanges in Corwen, Llangollen and Ruabon will be upgraded, enabling access to full fibre broadband many more homes and businesses.

Openreach’s build plan forms part of the UK Government’s target of delivering ‘gigabit capable broadband’ to 85 per cent of the United Kingdom by 2025.

This is in conjunction with the UK Government’s commitment to reform the Electronic Communications Code, allowing providers access to rural land more easily to enable build to progress at pace.

Welcoming the announcement, Mr Baynes said: “I’m delighted to hear about Openreach’s plans to connect an extra 415,000 more home and businesses across rural Wales.

"It’s excellent to see that the UK Government is committed to boosting access to broadband for people and businesses across Wales, and projects like this are a huge step forward in achieving that goal.

“Fast, reliable broadband is more important than ever due to more people working at home, and this will be a great step forward for the communities of Corwen, Llangollen and Ruabon.

“Obviously there is still much work to carry out in enabling full fibre access for every property, and I continue to push for a faster rollout to the areas that are not yet included in Openreach’s plans, as well as eradicating the remaining not-spots across Clwyd South.

"But this project will see very welcome investment pumped into North Wales, providing homes and businesses across rural Wales the connectivity they need to flourish.”