By the time Hempsted's kids go back to school in September, Cityfibre is promising residents that their long wait for a decent web connection will be over.

Or at least that's the aim: following a meeting with Gloucester MP Richard Graham and County Council Leader Mark Hawthorne, CityFibre has now made a commitment "to aim for full fibre connectivity in Hempsted" by the start of the autumn school term.

Said a spokesman for Richard Graham: "After positive progress in recent days the projected timescale has been reduced from 12 months to an aim to be finished within 6 months.

"Work to bring full fibre to Hempsted has started, with existing ducts now available to use on the bridge linking Commercial Road and Severn Way, while contractors on Llanthony Road have worked with CityFibre to install ducts there."

A further meeting between the County Council and CityFibre will be held in coming days to set out work plans and confirm timelines.

Richard Graham said: "An agreed aim to have connectivity for Hempsted School by the start of the autumn term is the right goal and I'll continue to urge CityFibre to deliver it."

Cllr Mark Hawthorne added: "The County Council will play our part in ensuring minimum disruption to roads and traffic by working with CityFibre on agreed plans."

Neil Madle, Area Manager for CityFibre, said: "We understand the frustration for Hempsted residents and, working with Highways, we will aim to have connectivity in place for September 2023."