Facilities and Services
The number and range of facilities and services enjoyed by the residents of Little Wenlock bear little relation to the size of the community and are a great testament to its vigour and spirit.
Contact details for those tradesmen that residents have found to provide particular value can be found under the Directory section, together with a whole host of useful local contacts.
Broadband Communications
Following the article in the February 2009edition of the Community News Mark Pritchard MP took up our case with the Chairman and Chief Executive of BT and made representations on behalf of the Parish. Mark felt that the letter he subsequently received from BT was rather disappointing and he is more than happy to go back to BT with any supplementary comments we might have. The letter Mark received from BT was fairly lengthy, but with his consent I have extracted the relevant paragraphs:
By way of background, broadband speeds are very much dependent on a number of factors, the key ones being cable distance and line quality. When I say line quality, I mean the type/thickness of the cable delivery service, the number of cable joints etc. If the cable distance is high, then users will receive slower broadband speeds. Those living near the exchange will receive higher speeds. However, the DSL technology we have deployed means that users will enjoy the best speed their lines will support.
In this particular case (Little Wenlock), there are no inherent problems with the local exchange or the network infrastructure. The broadband platform has been checked at the exchange and there are no inherent problems. The fault levels are low for the area, with no known problems. It may be that some of your constituents lines may be too long to support faster broadband and the speed currently being received is entirely in line with what we would expect.
You may be interested to know that we are currently spending more than £2 billion per annum to upgrade our national network to 21CN (internet protocol) and this project is due to be completed by 2012. The new 21CN based network should enable us to deliver new products and services—including broadband speeds of up to 24Mbps. Although the technology is still distance-based, we believe that the majority of users will enjoy higher speeds.
Additionally, you may be aware that in July 2007 BT announced proposals to invest £1.5 billion in the Next Generation Access (NGA) network to deliver super fast broadband speeds of up to 100Mbps to 10 million homes (40% of the UK) by 2012. The NGA will deploy fibre technology. Our intentions are to work in partnership with the Government, local organisations and regional development agencies to determine that areas that will benefit first. Unlike other countries, we want customers both in urban and rural areas to benefit from our investment."
The Huntsman
The Huntsman Inn forms an important focus for Little Wenlock community life, and is involved in a wide range of events and activities.
From October 2008 our local pub has new a new general manager Jonathan Dulson. Jonathan and the team would like to extend a warm welcome to all customers old and new, and tourists visiting the Wrekin area.
The new menu has now been launched, and so far seems to be a big hit with our customers, who also have an alternative great value for money £10 for a 3 course meal.
Opening and Food Service Times:
Food Served 12 - 2pm and 6 - 9pm Monday to Saturday, 12 - 3pm on Sundays
Opening Times 12 - 2.30pm and 6 - 11pm Monday to Thursday
12 - 2.30pm and 6 - 12pm Friday and Saturday
12 - 4pm and 7 - 11pm Sundays
Tickets for New Years Eve 2009 are now on sale. Just come in and ask for Jonathan or call on 01952 505820.
We are having a very busy December 2008, and are hoping to have a great New Year.
The Huntsman also plays a key role in the Open Gardens Weekend, providing the main car parking facilities for visitors and putting on special lunches throughout the event.
Thank you for your support so far, and for your continued support in the future.
Contact 01952 505820 or jon_dulson@hotmail.co.uk for more information
