A MAJOR £3.7 million expansion to Worcestershire's superfast broadband project is about to launch in a big boost for rural areas.

The cash will reach 3,000 properties in so-called 'hard to reach' spots, such as hamlets and small villages - with the exact locations now revealed for the first time.

The extension will take 18 months to finish and has been funded from a combination of savings within the existing scheme, help from BT and a 'clawback' mechanism with the firm's contract.

The £28 million superfast broadband scheme is one of Worcestershire County Council's flagship policies under its Tory rule, but in recent months a debate has raged about some rural spots missing out.

The areas now due to benefit include parts of Wickhamford, Throckmorton, Wick, Heightington, Teme Valley, Eardiston, Stockton-on-Teme, Holt Fleet, Shelsley Beauchamp and Berrow Green.

Councillor Ken Pollock, County Hall's cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "The scheme has made a huge difference to people and businesses across the county - they are better connected and able to access greater opportunities.

"Now, the partnership is taking superfast coverage even further than we had originally envisaged."

Ian Binks, BT's regional Manager for Worcestershire, said: "BT is committed to making superfast broadband as widely available as possible.

"Whether you’re working from home, doing homework or online shopping, everything is easier and faster with fibre broadband."

More than 51,500 county properties are now able to connect to it, with three out of every 10 households taking advantage so far.

Evesham Journal:

Matt Hancock, the Government's minister for digital, said: "I'm delighted that the high take-up rate in Worcestershire means there is now extra funding that'll help us reach another 3,000 more properties across the county."

Around £8.5 million of the scheme's cost is funded directly from county taxpayers, and the rest from either central Government or BT.

The council's opposition Labour group has been highly critical of the project, saying BT should not be getting any public subsidy for it.

It will now run on into the middle of 2018, with 96 per cent of Worcestershire's properties able to sign up.