A BROADBAND project has moved into the building phase to get gigabit fibre broadband service to properties in Crook and surrounding areas.

Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN) is a professionally designed fibre optic broadband network. They are registered as a non-profit community benefit society and run by a dedicated local team with the support of landowners and volunteers.

Volunteer lead coordinator Andy Brown said: "Since the beginning of the project we have made amazing progress which has only been possible with the support of the local community.

"Thank you for your ongoing support in investment, wayleaves, route walks and spreading the word.”

The project has now been assigned ‘Build Status’, -a major step in the timeline to getting gigabit fibre broadband service to properties in the Crook and surrounding areas.

Around 165 wayleaves have been mapped, signed, and delivered to B4RN for Build Phase with over 70 km of underground ducting to lay along six different routes.

B4RN said it had been 'no easy task' to identify and collect wayleaves from landowners but they have achieved it with the help of volunteers, land owners and the community. 

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).