Thousands linked to faster broadband in Shropshire

And homes in Telford & Wrekin could soon benefit from the high speed connection after the council submitted an expression of interest to get on board.

The Government announced last month that it was to make an additional £250 million available across the UK to roll out superfast broadband speeds to more of the country, with the aim of 95 per cent of the UK having access to the fastest connections by 2017.

The Government has made £11.38 million available to Shropshire and £1.42 million to Telford & Wrekin, but both councils would have to find pound for pound match funding.

Shropshire Council, which took part in the first roll out, plans to bid for the maximum £11 million available.

And Russell Griffin, spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council said: "Whilst Telford & Wrekin is not covered in the current programme, the council has submitted an expression of interest for the programme extension which has recently been announced by Government.

"The council is now working on a business case which will look at whether coverage can be increased from the 89 per cent of residential and business premises that currently have access to fibre broadband."

More than 80,000 metres of fibre optic cable has been laid during first year of the programme, with the anniversary falling this week.

In the last fortnight, Albrighton, Cosford, Halfway House, Minsterley, Pontesbury, Westbury and Yockleton have become the latest places to be connected.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire County Council cabinet member for broadband, said: "It's been a big year and getting things up and running was a huge task, however now we're under way and things are picking up speed it's clear we've come a long way in a year.

"The next year for the project – and getting fibre to as many people as we can – is the focus for us now."