The long-running problem with slow broadband connections in the Rotherhithe area was raised once more at this week’s Southwark council assembly meeting.

Cllr David Hubber (Lib Dem) tabled a question to find out what recent contact the borough’s Labour administration had had with BT over the problem.

Cllr Peter John replied:

I want to see the most modern broadband technologies across the whole of the borough but know that broadband in Rotherhithe remains poor. I share the frustration of residents and businesses about the historic lack of investment in the broadband infrastructure.

The infrastructure is the responsibility of private sector communication companies including, but not exclusively, BT. Even so, we are trying to find solutions to this issue. In December Councillor Colley, cabinet member for regeneration and corporate strategy, attended a meeting with Lambeth and Southwark Assembly Member Val Shawcross, local stakeholders and a representative from the Greater London Authority (GLA) to discuss the broadband issue. The meeting identified key issues and a work programme, and it was agreed to establish an informal group, the Rotherhithe Broadband Project, to oversee the matter.

Councillor Colley made a commitment that the council will support the group and that officers from regeneration will undertake a number of specific tasks.

As part of this commitment the director of regeneration is in the process of setting up a meeting with BT.

I will also be meeting with BT tomorrow and will again raise this issue with them.

Cllr Hubber also asked a supplementary question – you can hear his exchange with the council leader here: