David Cameron's broadband pledge too little too late, say Shropshire hotel owners

Owners of the Best Western Valley Hotel in Ironbridge, Lesley and Phil Casson, are investing thousands of pounds on their own new speedy internet system as they feel the roll-out is taking too long.

They today said businesses were paying a huge price in Shropshire because they are having to compete with rivals elsewhere that enjoy far faster connection speeds.

Lisa Snape, sales and marketing manager for the hotel, said: "Whilst we very much welcome the Prime Minister's pledge to connect the whole of Shropshire by 2020 and the efforts being made as a business we just can't wait this long.

"Guests, particularly business clients, assume a good internet connection in the same way as they do running water.

"Most people when they book a room don't even ask about internet connections or wi-fi because they just assume it is available. It is an expectation, a given.

"Wi-fi is currently available in all 44 bedrooms here at the hotel and the connection speed is another aspect of our service that we wish to exceed our customer expectations.

"They want to be able to download or stream videos easily and carry out important work functions. Here in Ironbridge we already feel way behind the rest of Shropshire let alone other parts of the country.

"Things need to move more quickly so rather than waiting for the superfast broadband roll out to reach us we have decided we have no option but to take action and invest in an alternative solution."

Mr Cameron claims 95 per cent of homes will be connected to superfast broadband by 2017.

Telford MP Lucy Allan, who has campaigned for better broadband in the area and recently attended a business networking event at The Valley Hotel, said in her recent Parliamentary speech: "Connecting Telford, as well as many other constituencies across the country, is vital for business, jobs and growth."