A MEETING for frustrated Dodford villagers over their long-standing broadband dispute has been branded as a "complete waste of time".

As reported last month, broadband provider Gigaclear dramatically pulled out of installing their service in Dodford - and the entire county - after Worcestershire County Council refused to agree to the installation without widespread road closures.

A meeting was called by Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid this month to discuss the issue with villagers, the county council and Dodford and Grafton Parish Council.

Resident Peter Reeve, 68, of Fockbury Road, said: “We wanted to know what was going to be done but no progress was made. It was a complete waste of time.

“It’s frustrating as our internet service is so poor. One of our neighbours tried to sell his house recently and the first question estate agents ask is about the internet speed.

“It’s not good for families with kids as they cannot watch television shows or work from home. It sounds a bit dramatic but it is so frustrating.”

Around 40 people attended the meeting, which lasted around an hour.

The council said their Superfast Worcestershire Broadband Programme will provide fibre broadband to Dodford via network provider Openreach beginning this year.

But the technology being deployed is Fibre-To-The-Cabinet technology rather than the latest Fibre-To-The-Premises broadband, which is quicker and more reliable.

Cllr Ken Pollock, cabinet member responsible for economy and infrastructure added: "Positive feedback has been received from residents who attended the meeting, and we are aware of some residents progressing their options as a result of information provided.

"There are also potential solutions available, and being developed, for parts of the community not expected to benefit from our current plans."

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid added: “The lack of quality broadband is unacceptable.

“It’s important that Worcestershire County Council find a solution for residents.”