News & Events

Ravenstonedale B4RN Project Goes Into Build

August 31st, 2022
Author: Mark Gray
Posted In: Latest news

They’re off! Lead volunteer Peter Cotterill celebrates as contractor Tony Middleton begins the Ravenstonedale build.

People in Ravenstonedale can look forward to the prospect of being connected to the B4RN gigabit full fibre broadband network.

The project has moved into the build phase as B4RN continues to expand into the Eden Valley.

This wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of the local volunteer group in securing sign ups, gigabit vouchers, investment and wayleaves.

Lead volunteer for the local B4RN group, Peter Cotterill, said: “24 months after our project started with a discussion between neighbours, we are looking forward to sharing photographs of the Mole Plough starting work.

“As with many projects there have been significant ups and downs but thanks to a committed team of volunteers, the many people who have invested in B4RN shares, the support of our MP Neil Hudson and in particular the encouragement and support of Dave Ryall from B4RN we are about to start digging!

“Fast broadband is not just about being able to stream films without interruption. The many small businesses, including farmers, within the Ravenstonedale Parish need a fast, reliable connection to allow them to carry out their business and I’m looking forward to the first shouts of delight as people get connected to the B4RN fibre.”

B4RN project Build Coordinator, Hannah Robinson, said: “I am looking forward to meeting and working alongside the volunteers, landowners and other members of the community who have worked tirelessly on this project which is now entering into the exciting build phase.

“Our contractor, Tony Middleton, will be starting from Mallerstang, and working his way over towards the Ravonstonedale cabinet. Having worked alongside the Mallerstang group, I have seen how a B4RN connection positively impacts the rural community.”

It’s early days now, but once the Ravenstonedale build is complete, nearly 50,000 metres of core cabling will have been laid, passing more than 300 properties.

The Ravenstonedale project has been supported by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, which has contributed tens of thousands of pounds towards the local B4RN build as well as other projects over the last few years.

Neil Heseltine, Chair of the YDNPA, which through its Sustainable Development Fund purchased £20,000 worth of shares in the project, said: “Households and businesses in Ravenstonedale currently have very poor access to the Internet. Soon they will have among the fastest download speeds anywhere in the country. We are delighted to be able to support this fantastic project, which will contribute towards achieving an objective of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Management Plan to secure high quality broadband across the whole National Park by 2024.

“Being connected to the full fibre broadband network will make a very significant positive difference to people living and working in the village and the surrounding area. Not least, people will be able to make Wi-Fi phone calls to overcome the patchy mobile phone coverage.

“We know that fast and reliable Internet connections are vital to sustain businesses in the National Park. Ravenstonedale is close to the Coast to Coast trail; a better Internet connection will help accommodation and hospitality providers make the most of the opportunities which will come along as the route becomes a National Trail.”

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To sign up for B4RN, click here. If you’re stuck in a contract with another provider, Connect⁺ might be an option.