Ultra-fast broadband bonus for villages

The move to introduce internet coverage at speeds of 100 megabits per second, which are normally only available in major cities, has been overseen by the Dawnay Estates led by Lord Downe.

The super-fast internet links are being rolled out across the estate near Scarborough, as well as the surrounding villages.

It is hoped that as many as 500 residential properties and more than 30 businesses will eventually benefit from the broadband access.

Estate director Robert Sword said: “This part of North Yorkshire has been in the care of Lord Downe’s family for 350 years, but far from being old-fashioned, the estate is very forward-looking.

“Investment in fibre-optic cable was essential so that companies located here could remain ahead of the game.”

The estate’s managers had initially hoped that they would be able to sign up to the pioneering NYnet project, which is aiming to bring high-speed broadband access to the remotest parts of North Yorkshire.

However, when they learnt that there were no plans to bring the scheme to the estate, the decision was taken to invest £25,000 to provide the infrastructure.

Lord Downe added: “It’s vital that we not only keep up with the times – we have to look ahead. This puts us at the forefront of domestic and business IT delivery.”

The joint venture with C>Ways, an internet consultancy based in Wykeham Business Centre, has also meant that residents are able to receive the same service as businesses.

A further £15,000 is due to be invested into the scheme to provide the internet access for villages including Wykeham and Ruston, which are on the estate, as well as nearby Brompton-by-Sawdon and Hutton Buscel.