SUPERFAST broadband is taking off in Chard as it becomes the latest community to benefit from the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) programme.

An event was held at Holyrood Street firm One Step Recruitment to celebrate the arrival of superfast broadband in the town.

Local dignitaries and representatives from Connecting Devon and Somerset and BT attended.

Currently, 24 fibre broadband cabinets are ‘live’ in the Chard area, meaning that nearly 6,000 premises can connect to superfast broadband.

Hundreds of homes and businesses in the area are already using the service and villages such as Chaffcombe and Combe St Nicholas have also recently ‘gone live’ with the high-speed technology.

David Laws, education minister and Yeovil MP, said: “I’m delighted for everybody in Chard who now has the opportunity to access superfast broadband as a result of the Connecting Devon and Somerset programme.

“The ability to access high quality communications infrastructure is both critical to businesses and an important part of improving quality of life, and the more people across Devon and Somerset who are connected, the better for everybody.”

Mayor of Chard Jenny Kenton said: “This will give the people of Chard the opportunity to really make the most of the internet. It will help people with online shopping, learning, entertainment and paying household bills, and allow small businesses to function more effectively.”

Chard Town Team chairman Garry Shortland said: “The small, independent local trader has historically been at such a disadvantage to those with multiple locations and bigger budgets.

“But now those who can use digital platforms and social media intelligently are able to level the playing field and punch above their weight.

“Superfast broadband will enable Chard businesses to compete at a higher level and ultimately, create more jobs.”

What was originally a £94million programme to enable about 90% of homes and businesses to get access to superfast broadband by the end of 2016 has now been expanded, with a further £45million being committed so that 95% can be reached by the end of 2017.

One of the first companies to sign up was One Step Recruitment and branch manager Dan Shortland said: “Superfast broadband is a massive plus not only for businesses like ours but for our clients and candidates.

“Being able to upload and download information quickly makes the whole process of helping people into the right jobs so much easier.”

Cllr David Hall, deputy leader of Somerset County Council, added: “CDS remains on target to make superfast broadband available to around 90% of our homes and businesses by the end of 2016.

“This project is making a huge difference to people’s lives – the take-up rate in the areas that have gone live this year underlines just how just how keen businesses and members of the public are to get connected, and what a difference it can make.”

Residents can check the status of each postcode in the programme by using the ‘Where and When’ map on the Connecting Devon and Somerset website at connectingdevonandsomerset.

co.uk/where-when