A COUNCIL has expressed its disappointment after a company tasked with delivering superfast broadband to the most rural areas of west Oxfordshire abandoned the project.

Cotswold Broadband and its supplier, ITS Technology Group, withdrew from the rollout after experiencing network issues.

West Oxfordshire District Council will now take the lead role in ensuring the service is delivered to the remaining 10 per cent of properties in the district.

Councillor Colin Dingwall, cabinet member for broadband at WODC, said: “It is very disappointing that Cotswolds Broadband’s project failed after so much hard work. The delay for residents is really frustrating.

“Taking on the procurement process ourselves demonstrates that we are absolutely committed to securing superfast broadband access for everyone in the district as soon as possible.”

The council is commencing its new project immediately, which will start with a formal open market review, followed by public consultation to determine which premises need connections.

The council is working with the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK on the project.

Those with little or no connectivity can apply for a subsidised service through the Government’s Better Broadband Scheme by visiting bit.ly/2iKxznS