Thank-you for your support in achieving this major step towards bringing gigabit fibre broadband service to your homes and businesses.
"This week the CEO of B4RN , Michael Lee, approved the whole of the Crook project for 'build status', meaning that the project has moved from the planning phase to the build phase. This is a momentous step for our project and a massive testament to the tireless dedication and hard work of our volunteers. As of August contractors will be engaged in the laying down of ducting and the 'blowing' of fibre to create a lasting structure of communications that will be in place for generations. The volunteers will be out helping the sign-ups connect up as soon as the system goes live."
Once again I'd like to thank the visionary volunteers, investors, landowners and sign-ups that have made this possible."
Andy Brown, Project Lead Volunteer
Once again I'd like to thank the visionary volunteers, investors, landowners and sign-ups that have made this possible."
Andy Brown, Project Lead Volunteer
Routes
As of July 7th, we have achieved 100% wayleave coverage, meaning the rights to run B4RN’s fibre cable underground the full length of Crook’s 6 routes. An epic job has been done by volunteers David Foster and Nick Truch closing-out the wayleave gaps, which was all that was holding back the assignment of Build Status.
165 wayleaves have been mapped, signed, and delivered to B4RN for Build Phase. With over 70 km of underground ducting to lay along 6 different routes it’s been no easy task to identify and collect wayleaves from landowners, but we have achieved it with your help.
Expansion and Investment
B4RN are not only backing the Crook project, they have expanded it, adding several new areas to the original project including Plantation Bridge and Tolsen Hall & The Hollins (west Burneside) . This is great news and a vote of confidence.
There is still a £36k shortfall in investment, however with over 80% of the share investment in, we will push to bridge the gap before the project goes live.
Shares investment pays for about a third of the total cost of the project, the rest of the funds coming from government vouchers and other grants.
Meeting the investment target quickly will help ensure the smooth running of the project build and that everyone gets connected up as fast as possible. So if you haven’t yet invested or if you’re thinking about adding to your pledge/shares, now is a great time to do it.
The current annual return on B4RN shares is 5%. More details available at https://b4rn.org.uk/community/investors
The number of properties signing up to the B4RN service keeps growing. We are at 324 properties and businesses, which represents ~75% of the Crook project area - well above our target from B4RN.
Thanks also to all who have requested and verified their Gigabit Vouchers. And thank you to everyone who has invested or pledged to invest.