The Build Bulletin: March 2023
Welcome to the March edition of The Build Bulletin. In each area below, we’ve summarised activity for the month of March and given an overview of what you can expect in April.
There might be some terminology regarding build details that you’re not familiar with, so we’ve created this jargon buster to help.
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BOLDRON
Progress update
This year, our team has taken care of some tree trimming works and installed a new telegraph pole. With these tasks ticking over, all that’s left to do is to connect the leased line. This vital fibre cable needs to stretch across the countryside to connect your local cabinet to the internet exchange point – that’s one mighty task!
Without a leased line, we unfortunately can’t service any Boldron residents with broadband just yet. To get this installed we’re at the mercy of a third-party.
In mid-March, we had conducted another survey onsite with a third-party supplier to see if they have capacity to complete this work. Thankfully, this survey went well. Since then, we’ve given the green light to start and work is progressing nicely.
Next steps
In April we’ll be focussing our efforts on what we can do where no third-party resources are required! This includes continued tree trimming where necessary, blowing more fibre through the newly built section of network, as well as splicing and testing.
Now that we’ve been able to book in the installation of the leased line, the third-party supplier will complete the extensive civils work required. Please know this can take several months. We can start booking home connections once this is connected.
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CROWTON, KINGSLEY, NORLEY
Progress update
This project is one of our biggest! We’ve separated Crowton, Kingsley and Norley into four active sectors so we can tackle it bit by bit. Find out where your property is by checking here.
We moved into a new phase of the build in March and our team have been beavering away onsite. On 17 February, we started blowing fibre into Kingsley and Norley’s primary nodes. This is quite a milestone for our team! The distance between each Kingsley and Norley to the cabinet is quite long, so beginning this process sets us up positively as we move through April.
We haven’t forgotten about Crowton! Engineers have been onsite continuing work on subducting and the feeder route. This feeder route is what will connect the cabinet to Crowton’s primary node. Once this is done, we’ll have the Crowton, Kingsley and Norley node trifecta! It’s a bigger job than the other two villages as Crowton is furthest away from the cabinet, but we’re working as hard as we can do finalise this quickly (without compromising on quality).
Next steps
Our top priority is getting the leased line sorted and we’ll be working closely to assist the third-party supplier. Next month we’ll provide a progress update on the blockage.
Aside from this, now that Kingsley and Norley have a feeder route from the cabinet to each village’s primary node, our team will be splicing and testing these nodes.
Once we’ve completed the underground network, the team will start installing telegraph poles where necessary. We do aim to use existing infrastructure where possible, this is not always feasible. To learn more about why we install telegraph poles please read this blog post.
HALE VILLAGE
Progress Update
It’s full steam ahead in Hale Village! We’re sure you’ve spotted our engineers out and about as they work on your network upgrade. Roughly 70 per cent of the build is now complete! Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this work is taking place.
Community concerns regarding the installation of telegraph poles have been taken onboard and we’ve discussed this closely with our contractor, RuralFibre4U.
Where we’re unable to utilise existing infrastructure, new poles allow us to provide full fibre connectivity where it otherwise wouldn’t be possible. In March, we’ve been installing new telegraph poles in select areas to optimise the network’s reach.
We are working in compliance with our statutory duties by notifying Halton Borough Council and by working within industry regulations. To learn more about why we install telegraph poles, please read here.
Unexpected delays
The two words none of us want to hear! We’ve been on a mission to install the leased line, which is what connects Hale Village’s cabinet to the internet exchange point. Unfortunately, our leased line provider identified in mid-March an issue with the line which may cause some delays.
To determine the cause of the issue, they first need to carry out some testing. We were advised on 31 March that a power issue prevented this test from taking place. They have said we will have an update on 6 April, so we’ll have a progress update on this in our next Build Bulletin.
Next steps
Our main focus for April is sorting out the leased line we hope to avoid any further delays where possible.
Apart from that, we will be progressing with the network build from the cabinet to your homes! The team will be testing and splicing completed parts of the network. Finalising this work ASAP will make up for any time lost during the leased line delay.
DARRAS HALL
Progress update
We’re thrilled to announce customer connections have begun in Darras Hall sector 4, and some lucky residents are already up and running with full fibre broadband.
Residents in this sector who have signed a contract can expect a call regarding your installation appointment in the coming weeks. Please sit tight as we work through the list!
Next steps
Although some sector 4 customers can now be connected, there’s still a bit of work to be done before the entire network is complete. Our team’s focus in April will be ticking this sector off!
This week, we will be continuing civils work on Runnymede Road. These works will enable us to complete the drop cables which connect customers’ properties to the network’s secondary node.
Our team also need to install one new telegraph pole in order to provide full fibre connectivity to even more residents. This will all be done alongside the customer connections!
ROTHBURY
Progress update
Great news! This month, a leased line was connected from the internet exchange to your local cabinet. This major milestone means we’re one mighty step closer to full fibre connectivity. We are now progressing with building the cabinet internals.
We’ve split the next updates up into sectors as to provide more specific information! To find out where your home is, please check here.
Sector 1: We’re pleased to announce sector one is now 50% complete! Our team has been cabling and testing the completed sections so that it can keep up with all your streaming, gaming, shopping and online exploring needs!
Sector 2: Our team has been working hard to clear all the blockages in the underground infrastructure which were mentioned last month. With that ticked-off, our team is going underground to complete the feeder route which connects Rothbury’s cabinet to the primary nodes (learn more here). This will take place in the manholes and footway boxes on the high street.
Next steps
All going to plan, this month our team is set to finish the build of areas in sector 1. We have civils works to be completed on Hillside West. Our team will be crossing a narrow road and will maintain access where possible. Thank you in advance for your cooperation as we carry out these works. This will also require the installation of one pole on Hillside (week commencing 10 April) as well as splicing and testing. After your new network passes the required tests, the next steps for some lucky residents will be home connections.
Once your area goes live our Support Team will contact you to book your installation appointment. Please sit tight as our install team works through the list. If you’d like to sign a contract, please get in touch with our team to discuss which package will best suit your lifestyle.
There’s quite a bit more civils work to be completed in Woodlands and Allerdene Court which will prolong the build in sector 2.
Sectors 3 and 4: We can now progress with your area as the major blockages have been resolved. You’ll spy our team doing minor civil works this month outside Morlens and Garleigh Road and Tollgate Road, as well as pole installations near Riverside Rothbury Caravan Park. You may also see some action as we clear the blockages in the subducts on Lordenshaw Drive.
Once the feeder route works are completed on the high street (sector 2), we will be able to progress even further with sector 3 and 4. Meanwhile, our build team will continue spanning cables overhead and underground, alongside building and spicing nodes to ensure the network will be ready as soon as possible.
STOCKSFIELD
Progress update
Our team’s been non-stop in Stocksfield! To date, our team’s completed a whopping 5.9 km of digging along the footway and carriage way. This has enabled us to install around 5 km of subducting!
We’ve now wrapped up work on Meadowfield Road, meaning the road closure has ended. We appreciate your ongoing patience and cooperation during this time.
Although we were delayed by 4-weeks due to the gas leak, Northern Gas Works have now given us the green light to finish the works needed outside the cricket club. This will be finalised this week.
Did you know Stocksfield is our biggest project to date? To make things easier, we’ve divided the following updates so that they’re sector specific. Check which sector your is in here.
Next steps
Sector 1: A road closure will be in place on Stonybank Way for about a week in April so that we can install 3 new telegraph poles. We’ve organised a diversion route to maintain access to the garage, pub, and houses. We apologise for any inconveniences this may cause and appreciate your patience.
Sector 2: We have teams onsite this month completing subduct works. Once this is complete, we will begin blowing fibre through this section of the network. This is a major milestone, which we can’t wait to achieve!
Sector 4: Last week we were able to complete all the subducting work required in your area! This exciting news means we’re ready to blow fibre through. Next week, teams will be on site to begin this process. Residents will see all the action on and along Main Road from the BT Telephone Exchange to the train station.
Tree trimming and overhead works will be taking place on Guessburn, as well as more underground fibre pulling. If you spot our friendly team, make sure to wave hello!
ELVINGTON
Progress update
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed completing home connections across all sectors of Elvington this month. If you live in Elvington and are not yet connected, it’s more than likely that we’re ready to connect you. Get in touch with our sales team online, via email or phone (0333 305 7560) to discuss which package is your best fit.
Next steps
There are still some wayleaves which we have been unable to obtain. However, we expect to have these resolved in April! If your property is affected by these, we will contact you when we have confirmed the good news. Please reach out if you have any questions in the meantime for our team. To find more about what a wayleave is, visit here.
More home installations are on the cards for our dedicated FTTP team this month. Once the wayleaves are sorted, we’ll be able to crack on with the last stages of the network build.
STOCKTON ON THE FOREST
Next steps
Our team couldn’t be more excited to be back on ground in Stockton on the Forest! This week we began work 89-93 The Village. Did you spot our friendly team?
Please be aware there will be traffic management in place for 2 to 3 days in Sandy Lane in April. We will, as always, endeavour to work with the least amount of disruption possible. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
Next steps 🚧
Our design team is still looking into alternative ways to extend the network as far as possible. To do this they’ll explore every possibility of using existing ducts and poles before the decision is made to install any new infrastructure.
We’ve only got a few small civils tasks to complete before we start blowing fibre through your network! All going to plan, this will be completed in April. This stage is a major milestone for all involved.
WHELDRAKE
Progress update
We’ve split these updates up into sectors! To find out where your home is, please check here.
Sector 1: A large majority of sector 1 is ready for connection! The only exception to this is some properties along Broad Highway. Broad Highway residents, there’s not much longer to wait. This month we’ve successfully installed 3 telegraph poles in your area which will allow us to connect your properties.
Sector 2: This month we started connecting properties in your neighbourhood to full fibre! Your section of the network is ready to rumble aside from a handful of properties which we are yet to obtain a wayleave for. Fingers crossed we get this across the line for you soon.
Sector 3: Since our last Build Bulletin, the team has done a small re-design affecting Main Street and Derwent Park. This re-design includes 1 new telegraph pole which will be installed in April.
Next steps 🚧
Our design team is still looking into alternative ways to extend the network as far as possible. To do this they’ll explore every possibility of using existing ducts and poles before the decision is made to install any new infrastructure.
We’ve only got a few small civils tasks to complete before we start blowing fibre through your network! All going to plan, this will be completed in April. This stage is a major milestone for all involved.
