Local residents and businesses celebrated the launch of fibre broadband coming to over 2,500 properties in the Trimdons, thanks to the Digital Durham programme.

Seven of eight planned fibre cabinets in Trimdon Village, Trimdon Grange, Trimdon Colliery and Trimdon Station have gone live as part of the programme. The final upgrade, which will bring the high speed technology to a further 300 premises, is expected to be completed by next April.

Phil Jackman, the council’s Head of ICT Services said: “Fibre broadband isn’t just important for faster download and upload speeds. It is also integral for job creation and providing better access to services, as well as transforming the way businesses operate.”

So far the programme has extended coverage to over 31,000 homes and businesses in County Durham.