Llanrhystud and its surrounding areas could have some of the fastest internet speeds in the UK if a new project gets enough backing from local people.

A project has been set up by local campaigners aiming to get speeds of up to 1,000Mbps in homes in the Llanrhystud and Llanon area.

Lockdown has meant many people have had to work from home over the last 12 months, some with extremely slow internet speeds.

This has led to a community-driven project being set up which is hoping to gain the interest of at least 100 locals so internet company, Wefibre, will install broadband with download and upload speeds of around 1Gbps in Llanrhystud to Cross Inn and down to Llanon.

Also, if there is enough interest locally, free internet will be provided to public buildings in the area such as the village hall, church and Ysgol Myfenydd.

Charles Green, one of the local drivers behind the project, says that the aim at the moment is to get 100 people to register an interest so that the project can move forward.

Charles said: “Llanrhystud and its rural properties and businesses have a fantastic opportunity to become one of the first rural communities in the UK to be served by gigabit broadband.

“We need 100 properties to sign up and show interest. We are already at 41.”

The project is part of a UK-wide push to improve broadband speeds nationwide through Broadband Upgrade Fund, which is available as small grants known as vouchers worth up to £3,500 for each small and medium-sized business (SMEs), and up to £1,500 per residential property

Speaking on the proposal, Ceredigion MP Ben Lake said: "I am extremely pleased to see the UK Government’s broadband pilot scheme come to fruition in so many areas across Ceredigion, and I would encourage every resident receiving less than 100Mbps broadband speed to register their interest with suppliers or local community co-ordinators as soon as possible.

“Telcom WeFibre is a recognised broadband supplier in the UK, and I am very grateful that they have put forward proposals to invest in Ceredigion’s broadband infrastructure, along with others, in the hope of connecting as many premises and businesses as possible to full fibre."

Ceredigion County Council also welcomed the project, saying: It’s pleasing and encouraging to see the commitment from suppliers in providing gigabit capable services across different areas of the county, with several communities having dedicating a great deal of hard work to make the Broadband Upgrade Fund a success and gain fibre to the premises services.

“It is hoped that as many residents and businesses as possible in Ceredigion can be connected and we encourage all those interested to take up this opportunity to receive faster and more reliable broadband.”

Local county councillor Rowland Rees Evans said: “I welcome any project that will increase the connectivity of this part of Ceredigion, which will help many people in these times.”

To register and for further information, go to wefibre.com/grants