NICK Smith MP has called for all of Blaenau Gwent to be included in the superfast broadband rollout despite the latest good news on the service.

The Superfast Cymru project, which received £57m of Government funding, has celebrated the news that more than 100,000 Welsh businesses and homes can get access to better broadband speeds.

Since being elected Mr Smith has been campaigning for Blaenau Gwent business to be supported with top-quality broadband, enabling them to compete more effectively on the regional and national markets.

 But despite the checklist of towns to get the service rapidly being ticked off, the Blaenau Gwent MP said there are still “black spots” in seemingly covered areas of the borough.

These include portions of Tredegar town centre, meaning businesses are losing out to home use under the current plans.

Mr Smith said: “Without being contacted by concerned businesses about their lack of coverage, I would have celebrated this news without reservation.

“But it appears there are still gaps in some of our most important areas, which just won’t do.

“Any improvements are of course welcome and I will continue to champion the fact Blaenau Gwent has been placed high on the list compared to many other places.

“But a Government-backed scheme should be doing everything in its power to give businesses the service it needs.

“This is about companies better equipped to take on the world, not getting the latest movies or music downloaded quicker.”

Central Government, through Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) has provided £57 million and the Welsh Government is contributing £58 million to the Superfast Cymru project.

Superfast Britain is a Government programme of investment in broadband and communication infrastructure across the UK. Run by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, this investment helps businesses to grow, creates jobs and will make Britain more competitive in the global race.

Further details of the scheme in Wales are available on the Superfast Cymru website http://www.superfast-wales.com/home