MARK Williams MP has hit out at the “failure” of the government’s ‘Mobile Infrastructure Project’ to provide proper coverage for communities in Ceredigion.

The UK Government project, which saw Arqiva contracted to build the mobile infrastructure network in the county, originally saw the potential for over 20 new masts to alleviate mobile ‘not-spots’ throughout Ceredigion.

However, as the project comes close to its end, with the project finishing on 31 March, only a few of these sites have been developed.

Since the project was announced in 2011, only three masts have been developed - a mast near Llangwyryfon, the refurbishment of a council mast near Trefenter, and there is a third mast existing, the Ger-y-gors mast near Pontrhyfendigaid, but only due to the efforts of the Ger-y-gors group who have worked unswervingly on the project.

Mr Williams said: “With the exceptions of the three masts, the Mobile Infrastructure Project has been a shambolic failure. It is unacceptable to blame this failure on inadequate information provided by Ofcom on not-spots or the costs involved. This was not relayed to us at the start of the project.

“Government inaction as of 31 March will have a hugely negative impact on our communities and our large number of small and micro businesses.

“I have met with representatives of Arqiva and will be continuing to pursue the government on this important matter.”