I’ve been working with residents in Holyfields and the surrounding areas to get superfast broadband for the area and I would like to thank everyone who signed the online petition.

I recently discussed this with the local authority and I am pleased that progress will now happen.

Phase Two was launched in 2013 and I am pleased to say the current administration did successfully apply for funding. In fact North Tyneside Council has been awarded the maximum amount and the investment made by North Tyneside under Mayor Redfearn will increase superfast broadband coverage to an impressive 99.8% – the best in the region and one of the best in the country.

The area particularly around the new housing developments in the Northumberland Park -; Shiremoor area has now been identified as a priority and will be directly targeted. The programme will roll out in early 2016 and will be completed in 2017.

I’m sorry North Tyneside missed out in Phase One. That was a direct result of the decision by the then administration not to get involved.

I am particularly grateful to residents and your local councillors who have campaigned on this for some time and I am pleased to have been able to help to bring it to a successful conclusion. Of course the delivery has not happened yet but there is a plan, there is a timescale, there is now the money and I will work hard to make sure it happens!