Broadband for Surrey Hills (B4SH) continues to make good progress in Shere.
Since we last reported we now have over 370 satisfied customers enjoying the benefits of gigabit internet in Peaslake, Farley Green, Albury, Shamley Green, and elsewhere. The good news is that nearly 40 properties in the centre of Peaslake and beyond are now experiencing a much better and more reliable internet connection.
Last month the team completed the connections into St Marks church and the Old School Room. Like the earlier connection to Peaslake Memorial Hall, the church and the Old School Room have been connected free of charge. As a not-for-profit organisation, B4SH is pleased to provide free connections for community assets like St Marks church, the Old School Room and the village hall.
You may have become aware of commercial internet providers targeting Peaslake and other local areas. B4SH provides a community full-fibre gigabit internet connection, which is run and supported by local people living in the community and is completely independent of Openreach and other providers. The network is brand-new, installed out-of-sight underground and does not use anyone else’s poles or cables. B4SH is not-for-profit, does not increase its prices annually and re-invests surplus funds back into the community.
Elsewhere in Peaslake, plans are well advanced to bring the service to the Wonham Way area thanks to the tireless support and efforts of Nick Bray, along with the enthusiasm of other local residents. Other areas in Peaslake are not quite so far advanced – if you want your road to be part of this wonderful community project then do let us know.
Members of the B4SH team and some of the local champions are in the Hurtwood Inn every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm, to answer any questions you may have. Please drop in and say hello.
As a not-for-profit community service B4SH is reliant on investors for funding and volunteers to get involved. Speed of progress and which areas are prioritised are governed by investment levels and volunteer availability and enthusiasm.
How can I get involved? Contrary to popular belief B4SH is not all about digging! By far the biggest task is talking to your neighbours – helping people understand the unique nature of B4SH as a community project, finding investors, and identifying possible routes for the fibre cable and gaining agreement from landowners.
As published in Shere Parish Magazine, July 2023
Written by Angus Denny, Operations Director
