VILLAGERS are set to have access to full-fibre broadband and super-fast internet speeds.

Residents in Earls Colne are set to join homeowners in neighbouring White Colne and Colne Engaine in having access to full-fibre broadband.

Broadband company Gigiaclear has already extended its network to more than 1,800 properties in the neighbouring communities, with work now underway in Earls Colne to connect around 1,000 properties by next summer.

The expansion is part of a multi-million-pound investment by Gigaclear to connect underserved market towns and communities in Essex.

General manager Tony Smith said: “We’re expanding our network across many rural and hard-to-reach areas of the county where, in many cases, Gigaclear represents the only opportunity for people looking for reliable and fast broadband speeds.”

To minimise disruption in Earls Colne during the build phase, engineers plan to use Openreach’s existing ducts and poles, reducing by about half the amount of digging that will be required.

Mr Smith added: “This is going to be a game-changer for households in the village.

“Having access to reliable and fast broadband speeds is no longer a luxury but is necessary in order for many people to live their lives fully, whether it’s working from home, streaming or accessing other online entertainment.”