Anger at refusal to upgrade exchange
INTERNET users in Holling- bourne, Leeds and the sur- rounding areas have been told it is not “commercially viable” to upgrade their BT exchange. Residents reported very slow speeds and frequent loss of in- ternet connection, so Hugh Robertson, MP for Faversham andMid Kent, contacted BT on their behalf to ask for upgrades at the Hollingbourne Exchange. The response from BT, that it was not commercially viable to upgrade the exchange, which serves just over 400 people, has frustrated residents. In an email to BT’s high-level complaints manager Sarah Bellerby, which was sent to the Downs Mail, John Cobbett of Hollingbourne Parish Council asked the company to recon-
sider.MrCobbett said equipment at the exchange had “seen better days” and accused BT of provid- ing a two-tier service, but charg- ing the same prices to people in areas with fast broadband and areas like Hollingbourne where the service was unreliable. He said: “One afternoon our internet connection was lost several times, despite being only 200 yards from the Hollingbourne Exchange. I sug-
gest you appear to put the profit motive above your need to pro- vide a proper public service.” A statement posted by Mr Cobbett on the parish council’s website added: “Residents fre- quently complain about the lack of service and buffering, which affects distance learning by students and schoolchildren, e-commerce, and those who simply want to enjoy the inter- net and download films. From October it will be necessary to apply online for government benefits and qualifying local residents may have difficulty because the proceduremay take over an hour and needs to be on a reliable internet service.” A BT spokesman told the Downs Mail: “Where deploy- ment of fibre broadband is not commercially viable, we try to work with local communities, councils and parishes to find funds and alternative solutions to help wherever possible. However, our guidance is that
any community wishing to dis- cuss their options first engages with the local authority owning the local broadband plans, to see if they are eligible for inclusion in any central or regionally- funded broadband scheme.”
GREAT ATMUS T MUSIC FOR A GREAT SIC FOR A GREAT C AT CAUSE
19 JULY
20 JULY McFLY
Outgoing president of Maidstone Soroptomists Dr Nellie Adjaye with members of Congo Action
Ladies boost Congo education fund A CHEQUE for £1,000 has been raised for children in the Congo by the
ladies of Soroptimists International Maidstone. Outgoingpresident Dr Nellie Adjayechose tosupportCongoAction dur-
ing her presidency, and through events such as a quiz night and an in- ternational lunch, the group raised themoney towards the education of children in a remote area of the Congo.
Brothers set for charity gig
ABAND is tuning up to play a charity gig at Detling Village Hall. TheMerisi Brothers, an eight-piece outfit, specialise in covers
of classic hits, with Queen, Eric Clapton and Dire Straits among the favourites in their repertoire of blues, rock ‘n’ roll and gospel music.
Proceeds from the gig on Saturday,May 11 will be donated to Demelza Hospice Care for Children. The band was formed more than 10 years ago and only ever
plays to raise funds for charity. Tickets costs £7.50 and include light refreshments. Guests are
also welcome to bring their own food and drink. The hall will be open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, and tickets
can be purchased in advance by contacting bandmember Steve Halcrow on 07792 706610, or by emailing
sh@brunelcc.co.uk For more information about The Merisi Brothers visit
www.merisibrothers.co.uk
Music On The Hill is promoted by The Children’s Development Trust in conjunction with Location 3 and the support of Liberty Property Trust UK, Kent County Council and Kings Hill New Homes
Music On The Hill is promoted by The Children’s Developme nt Tru st in conjunction with Location 3 and rty Property Tru st UK, Ke nt County Council and Kings Hill New Homes
the support rt of Libert Registered Charity Numbers Demelza 1039651 CDT 1125389 TUFC 1 18361 Registered Charity Numbers Demelza 1039651 CDT 1125389 TUFC 1118361
JOE M cELDERR TA
LY JOOLS HOLLAND LYMcFL
LY AFTERNOON
20 JULY PETER ANDRELY PE TER ANDRE E VENING 21 JULY
100% IN AID OF
IF YOU CHOOSE ONE MUSIC EVENT THIS SUMMER, MAKE IT ONE THAT COUNTS!
BOOK NOWAT W A WWW AT
WWW..MUSIC
ONTHEHILL.ORG.UK
W.MUS
ONTHEHILL.ORG.UK OR CALL 0844 873 7342
JOE McELDERRY STOOSHE BUCKS FIZZ GARETH GA KILLER QUEEN COUNTERFEIT STONES CHARLIE BROWN KIDS’ ENTERTAIN
AINMENT CRYSTAL CHEERLEADERSSTAL
LY FAMILYMILY SUMMER SUNDAY HGAT
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CHARLIE BROWN DAVE BERR TA CHEERLEADERS& MORE
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ATES RY
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