WORK to bring superfast broadband to East Sussex is well ahead of schedule despite the recent torrential downpours and flooding.

The first areas due to become fibre enabled as part of the huge programme of engineering include Burwash, Etchingham, Hadlow Down, Heathfield, Horam, Mayfield, Robertsbridge and Rotherfield.

Throughout the wettest winter since records began engineers have already installed more than half of the new fibre cabinets which will serve these areas, with people in these communities expected to be able to place orders for fibre broadband before Easter.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council’s Lead Member for Economy, said: “This is fantastic news for businesses and residents in the county who will benefit greatly from improved broadband speeds.

“Access to faster broadband is vital to our local economy and it will give our local businesses the opportunity to grow and expand.

“The fact that we are ahead of schedule despite the abysmal weather we have experienced recently is testament to the project’s dedication and commitment to bringing superfast broadband to our county as quickly as we can.”

Peter Cowen, BT’s regional partnership manager for the South East, said: “We’re really pleased with how the project is progressing in East Sussex. The horrendous weather is not dampening our commitment to getting the job done.”

Work on the ground has already started in a number of new locations that will benefit from the second phase of the project, expected to “go live” later this year. These include: Buxted, Chelwood Gate, Chiddingly, Danehill, Framfield, Guestling, Halland, Newick, Ninfield, Nutley, Baldslow, Bexhill, Castleham, Cooden, Hastings and Uckfield.

To find out more about the project and keep up to date with the rollout plans visit the go e-sussex website.

Pictured is Peter Cowen, BT’s regional partnership manager for the South East and Councillor Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council’s Lead Member for Economy.