www.littlewenlock.org

Facilities and Services

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 has been involved in a wide range of events and activities over many years.

In early 2010, the then owner Punch Taverns offered The Huntsman for sale.

Peter Morris, managing director of Peter Morris Cars Ltd in Wellington, purchased the pub on 15th April 2010 and plans to completely refurbish the building. Peter Morris said that The Huntsman is a popular pub and has been for many years. He intends to submit a planning application to Telford and Wrekin Council / Little Wenlock Parish Council that will include B & B accommodation, re positioned entrance and bar, new restaurant and toilets. A major element of the proposal will be building three houses for letting on the open market, and a further one house as a holiday let. Access to these houses will be via an entrance drive at the right hand side of the pub. There will be provision of 26 bays for car parking at the left hand side and rear of the pub. The pub would provide four permanent jobs, and up to ten part time jobs from within the local community. It was stated that the whole project would take 18 months to complete, with the pub functioning at an earlier date.

An open meeting was called for Thursday 20th May at 8.30 pm for Peter Morris to present his plans. The meeting was attended by about 200 people, illustrating the high level of interest in a village pub throughout the community. Together with his architect, Peter Morris outlined the plans and stated that it was essential that the plans submitted for approval, had the support of those attending the meeting. Answers were given to a range of questions that were raised from the floor.

Following the presentation, in order to assess the views of the meeting, a “show of hands” of those who in were in favour or were against the proposals, was requested. This resulted in an overwhelming support of the proposals in full, thereby ensuring a clarification of responses to the planning application process by the Borough and Parish Councils.

Letter sent by Peter Morris to The Parish Council - June 2010

"I am writing this email on Sunday night after yet another very active weekend at The Huntsman. Progress is going well with the focal point fireplace in the front bar now safe and due to start on the roof and chimney within the next two weeks. With the major refurbishment inside the pub and also the living accommodation well under way, I think its fair to say we are well on track at this moment in time.

This week we hope to put our final drawings forward to Telford and Wrekin and submit our application so any emails or letters of support would be of tremendous help. I should also like to thank all who attended the village hall meeting on that Thursday night when I believe 125 residents turned up. This was fantastic and we look forward to serving you all the first pint...

I will try and liaise with John to giving you an update in each Parish news letter to give a progress report as to how things are going, also anyone that has not been able to visit and look at our intentions please feel free to call and see us. I would be happy to show you around."

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