Further update!
29 April 2023
See below text from an email from AB Installs Ltd, the company that is completing the ground works on behalf of County Broadband -
I have had a call with Christopher Reid today, who is the Project Manager at County Broadband, and it has been agreed that the entire village will have a design review to ensure that we are complying with the rules and regulations outlined by yourself as a Parish Council, and Babergh Council.
Once a reviewed design is completed, I will contact you with the plan of action and keep you up to date with permit dates etc. We will also ensure a presence on site who your residents can contact if they have any questions or concerns; whether that be County, or AB Installs. We want to make sure that all residents can leave their properties safely and access the local amenities available to them.
Thank you again, and have a great bank holiday weekend.
With best regards
Nikki Collier
28 April 2023
Following a meeting with County Broadband here is an update on their activities.
County Broadband apologise to residents that they weren't informed about the works starting. Residents should have received letters in January/February but it appears these were not sent.
The Parish Council now have good communications with both County Broadband and the contractors who are carrying out the ground works. We will be kept informed of the progress of the work and will pass this on to residents via this website and the Bentley Community Facebook group.
Residents will be given advance notice of the works to be carried out. This should only affect The Link, West Mill Green, Highfields and Silver Leys. County Broadband will be using existing BT infrastructure where possible and all works will be below ground. This will not affect residents' broadband bandwidth which is supplied by other companies.
We have been assured that there won't be any cabinets installed in the village.
The Parish Council have highlighted to them our protected Local Green Spaces in our adopted Neighbourhood Plan. particularly the War Memorial area. They say there should be minimal if any disruption to these areas.
They are aware of the importance to maintain access along the main footway in the village to allow residents, including those that use mobility scooters, access to the village facilities such as the Village Hall and Community Shop.
The work carried out so far in Highfields looks to be of a good standard and the workmen were very helpful, ensuring that residents had access to their drives and that refuse bin emptying could be carried on as usual.
Despite the initial problems, the Parish Council hope that this work will provide improved facilities for residents who wish to have higher bandwidth than currently provided in the village.
If you have any more queries or problems please email our Clerk, Joy Scott who will pass these on to the company.
Marianne Munday
Chair Bentley Parish Council