A CHARD councillor who is working on improving broadband and network connectivity said the area is “massively behind”.

Cllr Connor Payne (Chard South) said: “I’m working on improving broadband across Chard, Tatworth & Forton.

“We’re massively behind the rest of the region in terms of our connectivity.

“So, while some properties in Chard are only just being hooked up with Full Fibre, 68 per cent of the South West now has download speeds of 1000 megabits per second.

“Many residents are having to find their own way around this, I even know some that have Starlink.

“I’ve had some correspondence with Somerset Council who say Tatworth & Forton parish doesn’t fall under CDS (Connecting Devon & Somerset) but instead BDUK (Building Digital UK) which is a government-led programme for the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband.

“I’m no expert at this, but it doesn’t take an expert to know when we’re facing a problem.

“If you’re concerned about broadband and 5G network connectivity in our area, give me an email on connor.payne@somerset.gov.uk.”

The Chard and Ilminster News has approached CDS to confirm information and get more comments but did not receive a response in time for publication.