ACCESS to high speed broadband in Thurrock could soon be improved after it was announced that £4,4 million will be pumped into local services.

The investment is being made by the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) which is currently chaired by Thurrock Council leader Rob Gledhill. ASELA made a successful bid to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for the funding which is expected to be delivered by May 2021.

The project will deliver improved connectivity to 129 sites across Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock, with 78 sites in Thurrock.

Cllr Gledhill said: "In this digital age and during the current coronavirus pandemic, it is more crucial than ever that residents and businesses have the best possible connectivity and this infrastructure programme is a vital step in enabling gigabit broadband across the borough.

"These works deliver some of the fastest broadband connections in the UK to schools, community services and care facilities across South Essex. The power of connectivity is continuing to shape the way we work, live and play more than ever, and so it is very important that we continue to lead and innovate in the future.

"The work that ASELA has already undertaken shows the very positive impact that collaborative working and talking across district and borough boundaries can have for the residents of south Essex."