Ultrafast Broadband Work Begins – The First In North Wales

Work has begun on a ground-breaking ultrafast broadband link for Wrexham from Virgin Media – a first for North Wales.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas met staff on site at Wrexham Industrial Estate, one of the first locations where Virgin Media is installing its network in Wrexham.

Mr Lucas said, “It was in December of last year when I first challenged Tom Mockridge, the Chief Executive of Virgin Media, to bring ultrafast broadband to Wrexham during a House of Commons Select Committee hearing. Virgin Media spoke to me, I put them in touch with Wrexham Council and told both sides I would offer them whatever help they needed to bring the project to Wrexham.

“Just months later, I am delighted that Virgin Media has begun the practical work which will make these plans a reality. Virgin Media is beginning some initial work on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, where it has started the detailed planning required to connect the estate to its network.

“When I speak with industrial estate businesses, one of their main concerns is improving the communications infrastructure in the area – and I am sure many will welcome news this project is beginning.

“I will be keeping in close touch with Virgin Media as its project progresses and links both Wrexham businesses and homes to its network. I was delighted to see Virgin Media start its work here this week.”

Michelle Beech, Regional Director for Wales at Virgin Media, added: “Residents in Wrexham will soon be getting the ultrafast broadband and top-notch TV they deserve. Investing and delivering better connectivity to communities such as Wrexham shows that ultrafast broadband isn’t just for the big cities – we urge more communities to come together and register their interest. You could be next.”

Wrexham Council has also welcomed the news, with Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, saying: “This is indeed excellent news and will be welcome by businesses and residents alike. I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this much needed ultrafast broadband to Wrexham.”

Cllr Neil Rogers, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “The Council has acknowledged the need for this technology for some considerable time and we are very grateful that Virgin Media has recognised the potential market there is here in Wrexham.

“I know it will be very welcome in particular to the many businesses on our large Industrial Estate who will be keen to get on board very quickly.”

Wrexham.com noted there was no member of Wrexham Council at the photocall, we did ask them why that was but have had no reply. Local MP Ian Lucas, Michelle Beech, Regional Director for Wales at Virgin Media, and Paul Hartley, Senior Project Manager, Network Expansion at Virgin Media are pictured above.

We did have a line from WCBC that added “The Council has established an excellent working relationship with Virgin Media over the last few months and has helped facilitate their project to achieve the important goal of bringing this ultrafast connectivity to Wrexham.”