A PETITION signed by North Swindon residents officially calling for fibre optic broadband was handed to the council today.

More than 600 people signed the document, which calls for a fibre optic connection to be installed, claiming businesses in the area are at a disadvantage compared to those with the high-speed connection.

Last year, the council announced it was using £1.5m of the New Homes Bonus towards bringing the town up to speed, with the Government matching the funding.

Since then a bidding process has been taking place with companies who could be given the contract to roll out the necessary infrastructure.

Coun Toby Elliott (Con, Priory Vale) has been organising the petition alongside fellow North Swindon councillors and has welcomed the decision, saying it will transform the local economy.

He said: “I want to say thank you to the 600-plus people who have signed the petition. This is just a fraction of the people and companies in Priory Vale that have been calling for faster internet speeds.

“The internet has changed the way we live and work. We must move with the times to prevent us falling behind.

“The Haydon Exchange needs upgrading now. Thousands of businesses, including the Orbital Shopping Park, small businesses and residents rely on a fast and efficient internet service, which they do not have currently.

“Only linking Priory Vale up to a fibre optic network, offering a minimum of 24mbps, will have the capability to offer the internet speeds that individuals and companies need in the 21st century.”

It is hoped that cables will start to be laid by the end of the year once the tender process has been completed.

The main areas lagging behind in terms of fibre optic broadband are North Swindon and a number of the outlying villages. It is highly likely the north of the town will soon be covered, especially with large-scale development earmarked for the area.

Many residents have long called for fibre optic to be installed in the area and welcomed the news last September that the council was putting up the cash.

Speaking at the time, Steve Hall, 40, of Eastbury Way, said: “It’s obviously good news and the biggest thing is that they were able to get funding for it.

“People want to stream their TV programmes online and there are a lot of businesses based in the area who will also benefit from it.

“It will just mean we can move along in the 21st century and be up to date.”