ULTRA-FAST broadband will now be available to more than 10,000 homes and businesses following investment by Virgin Media

Virgin Media has completed the roll-out of its fibre broadband in the Hoyland area, which will see the average connection speed increase from 33.4Mbps to 516Mbps - meaning much faster downloads of films and games.

Hugh Woolford, regional director for North East and Yorkshire at Virgin Media, said: “We are delighted that thousands of local residents and businesses in Hoyland can now start to benefit from the boost our ultrafast broadband will give them.

“Giving them greater speeds will enable them to do the things they need to do and love doing more quickly and more easily.”

Matthew Gladstone, Barnsley Council’s executive director for place, said: “We welcome this digital investment from Virgin Media which will bring ultrafast broadband to thousands of homes and businesses in Hoyland.

“Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and this will revolutionise the way residents engage with online activity in the home.”