Opeanreach deliver fibre broadband after MP pressure

Back in 2018, Alan Brown MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun opened talks with BT bosses and the local authority over the prospect of fibre broadband in his hometown of Newmilns.   

 The SNP MP was contacted by a host of constituents and local businesses regarding poor connectivity in the area which resulted in Mr Brown raising the issue in parliament.   

 After initially being told a fibre broadband cabinet was out of the question, the MP made a series of enquiries to Openreach and Ayrshire Roads Alliance before taking it to Westminster where he raised it during a House of Commons Committee meeting.   

 Now, after two-years, the representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun’s persistence has paid off. BT Openreach has now installed a new fibre broadband cabinet in the heart of Newmilns.   

 Commenting, Mr Brown said:   

“Having been contacted by several local residents, businesses, and tourist premises in the village frustrated by the poor service, I was told the cabinet was considered "not commercially viable".  However, as a former civil engineer, I was keen to understand exactly what the underlying issue was, especially as this cabinet was on Main Street in Newmilns and several adjacent streets in the village already received full fibre broadband.    

“It turns out the initial work to install the cabinet was aborted by BT Openreach due to the failure to agree a suitable location between BT, the Council and Ayrshire Roads Alliance - with issues around underground utility services being cited as the main problem.  

“This was not a satisfactory position as far as I was concerned and I struggled to accept that some form of practical solution to deal with the underground utility constraints - or a more suitable alternative location - could not be found in this instance.  

“That is why during an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee hearing with the Openreach UK Strategic Managing Director I was able to use this unresolved cabinet matter as an example of how businesses, community groups and individuals linked to this particular cabinet were receiving an inferior service.   

“Obviously, as MP I want to do my utmost to ensure that all viable options are considered and that any disparity in service is resolved for my constituents.    

 “I understand that it is not always easy to find suitable practical and commercial solutions, however I was very pleased to hear that the Openreach Strategic Director agreed to have this cabinet location investigated further and a proper solution has now been completed.”  

One local business which will benefit greatly with the new installation will be Lamlash House in Newmilns.  

Commenting, Johnathan Muirhead, joint owner of Lamlash House said:  

“Despite being told by our service provider some time ago that an improved broadband service was not feasible in a part of Newmilns, Alan Brown MP has worked hard to convince them to get the project back on track.  

“The enhanced service will mean that businesses like Lamlash House will be able to enjoy a broadband quality which is essential for us to operate effectively in today’s business environment.”