When Brithdir community was told they’d need the signatures of 45 residents to complete one aspect of the broadband for Brithdir campaign, individuals rolled up their sleeves and began the task of door knocking.
(Pictured is Eira Humphreys, one of the busy residents in Brithdir who worked with Councillor Delyth Lloyd Griffiths to ensure fibre broadband access to the upper part of the village)
In the small rural Gwynedd village of Brithdir a few miles from Dolgellau, the local councillor was annoyed that one part of the village had full fibre, whilst the upper half had dire connection. In a few weeks’ time and with support from Brithdir’s Community Hall caretaker, Eira Humphreys and local resident, Anna Jones the 45 signatories needed to continue with the task of securing broadband for the village was completed.
Plaid Cymru’s Gwynedd Councillor for the area, Delyth Lloyd Griffiths said: “I knew I could depend on Anna and Eira to get going with the signatures and collect everyone’s details. They know everyone in the village!
“It’s been a long and tedious effort, but together, as a community we’re delighted that all the village is now connected to full fibre.”
Back in March 2022 as Wales was coming out of all Covid restrictions, Delyth’s colleague, Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP, Liz Saville-Roberts was told that Openreach was pausing its rural fibre broadband connection scheme, due to high demand on their services.
“This was a devastating blow to the village as the Plaid Cymru team had been working on this issue for a number of months. By Christmas 2021 fibre had been installed in one part of the village, Bryniau Brithdir, but the other 45 residents were still without practical connectivity to a fast, reliable broadband service.”
Working with a Wales co-operative body, ‘Cwmpas’ Cllr Griffiths set to work as soon as she was newly elected to the role as the Gwynedd Councillor for the area, in May 2022. By law, a universal service obligation states that everyone within the UK has the right to a minimum set of communications services at affordable prices.
“Working with Marc Davies at Cwmpas moved the issue forward at pace. We bought people together to gather the signatures required and by the end of summer, all households in the village are now connected. The response has been amazing!”
Bed and Breakfast businesses are now able to provide smart TVs to guest for the very first time. Children and youngsters studying for their GCSEs, A Level and college work are now on a par with their counterparts, able to upload and download work with a reliable and speedy connection.
Elwyn Roberts, a keen car rally photographer and videographer who travels the world following races says that the new broadband means that he doesn’t have to balance the mobile phone on the outside window ledge to try and connect to the 4G system. The new broadband has transformed how he follows his interests.
Gina Ritche runs a boutique hotel in Brithdir. She said: “We are delighted to be able to run a rural business, here in Brithdir, in a professional and capable fashion at last. Being without a constant, regular and speedy broadband connection made running this business, challenging. We are so grateful to Councillor Delyth Lloyd Griffiths for her work and determination, on our behalf.”
Sandra Harrison lives in the village and is also pleased to be connected to the outside world: “It’s been a breath of fresh air for us. It’s literally opened our world to see what’s out there. We no longer feel isolated in the back of beyond, here, in Meirionnydd. We’re on a par with friends and family digitally and it is a refreshing situation to find ourselves in. Diolch to everyone who’s worked hard on our behalf of get this broadband service sorted!”
Martin Jones, 47, who has long term health challenges after suffering a stroke, says that his passion for photography has kept him going during difficult months. The new broadband connection has ensured that he has better communication links with his family and friends, as he continues to manage his health issues.
“Hearing Martin thanking me and the community for working on this issue is praise indeed. I’m grateful that everyone pulled together and secured this great outcome for the village. It goes to show how strong community support can overcome challenges we face, living in rural locations.”
(Pictured is Councillor Delyth Lloyd Griffiths with Martin Jones)
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