TEESDALE is experiencing the benefits of GoFibre’s ultra-fast broadband with nearly 4,000 rural premises ready to connect.
Mickleton Cinema Club, launched 30 years ago with a showing of the movie Titanic, is enjoying a big screen boost thanks to the new full-fibre ultrafast broadband brought to the village by GoFibre and government funding.
Getting connected to faster broadband marks a leap forward in digital connectivity for the area.
It means the fortnightly cinema club can now stream a wider range of films and enjoy a much better quality hi-definition visual experience, right on their doorstep.
Club regular and Mickleton resident Sue Kelly has introduced her grand-daughter Ivy Swanston to the club.
Sue said: “The cinema club is brilliant, it’s a fantastic community asset.
“We’d have to go into Darlington, a 40-minute round trip, if we didn’t have this wonderful facility right here. We even stop the film halfway through, for a cup of tea and a chat – you don’t get that at most cinemas.”
Since being awarded the Project Gigabit contract for the area in autumn 2022, GoFibre has provided nearly 4,000 residents and local businesses with access to a faster, more reliable internet service.
The Project Gigabit initiative aims to rollout fast, reliable broadband across the UK, targeting hard-to-reach homes and businesses that would otherwise miss out.
Durham Dales Holiday Cottages, Lightning Signs Printing and Mickleton Service Station are among the businesses enjoying improved connectivity through the contract, which is supported by Durham County Council.
David Huthinson, chairman of Mickleton Village Hall and owner of Durham Dales Holiday Cottages, Lightning Signs Printing and Mickleton Service Station, said: “As a small business owner, poor broadband was horrendous and made it difficult to run operations efficiently.
“Now I have reliable and fast internet connections which have significantly improved efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction.”
Cllr Susan McDonnell, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for digital, customer services and procurement, said: “We work closely with GoFibre to help deliver the Project Gigabit contract, providing support for community engagement, data anomalies and social value commitments. It’s great to have played a part in making fibre broadband available to residents, businesses and community organisations at Mickleton, and this is a wonderful example of the sorts of benefits that fast and reliable connectivity can provide.
“Events like movie nights are great for the community, particularly elderly residents, as they reduce the chances of social isolation; and can also benefit the environment by cutting car journeys and therefore carbon emissions.”
GoFibre’s full-fibre broadband is live in several areas, including Barnard Castle, Mickleton, West Auckland, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Eggleston.
