People in and around Thornbury looks set to get high speed broadband

High speed broadband for all residents in and around Thornbury comes a step closer following news that a South Gloucestershire partnership with Wiltshire and Swindon councils gets approval.

The partnership, first revealed last month, means that South Gloucestershire will now be among the first councils in the country to begin signing up a commercial provider under the Government's Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) scheme.

The BDUK scheme uses central and local government funding to ensure that areas not usually attractive to commercial providers can access the economic and social benefits of high-speed broadband.

South Gloucestershire Council Executive Member for Corporate Affairs John Goddard said: "Residents and businesses will be encouraged to know that the council is forging ahead with plans to boost access to these vital technologies across South Gloucestershire.

"High-speed broadband brings a wealth of economic and social benefits for communities and businesses alike and the partnership with Wiltshire and Swindon means these benefits will be available even sooner than first hoped."

Cabinet approval for the BDUK partnership comes as new figures show that more than 3,000 residents and businesses have already responded to a council survey set up to gauge demand for high-speed broadband in South Gloucestershire.

The online survey – which closes on 29 February – will be used to support the business case for the BDUK investment in South Gloucestershire and can be accessed at www.southglos.gov.uk/broadband