THE long wait for the thousands of people still expecting an upgrade to superfast broadband in Malvern is nearly over.

Bosses from BT attended a summit meeting with senior council officers and MP Harriett Baldwin on Friday and has pledged to deliver its fibre service to more than 20 extra cabinets in the coming weeks.

As we reported, the company had come in for criticism for failing to deliver the rollout despite assurances and for keeping residents, businesses and local authorities in the dark over its plans.

But Mrs Baldwin was buoyed by the latest talks, and believes real progress is now being made.

To date 27 of Malvern’s 55 cabinets have been upgraded.

But work will now take place to upgrade 21 more this year or in early 2013.

The Gazette has campaigned this year for resolution to negotiations between BT and Malvern Hills Conservators about installing key equipment on the charity’s land.

Work is already under way on the first cabinet, serving areas of the Enigma Business Park.

Tony Stephenson, managing director of Traplet Publications, has been awaiting the upgrade for months, saying without it jobs or even his firm’s future in Malvern could be under threat.

He said it would be “wonderful” to have the cabinet upgraded.

Mrs Baldwin said: “I am pleased we were able to have a constructive meeting with BT and I do feel that we are now making progress.”

But she was also told during the meeting that, in parts of Malvern where faster broadband is already available, uptake is lower than the national average.

“I would urge people to register an interest with their internet provider to make sure that the message gets through to BT that the demand is there,” she said.

Ian Binks, BT’s West Midlands regional manager, confirmed work to enable the outstanding cabinets was progressing.

“Faster fibre broadband is now widely available in the Malvern area,” he said. “BT continues working with local authorities to make this available as widely as possible.”

􀁥 ONE area of Malvern that will not for now be receiving the upgrade is Malvern Vale.

Although it is not included in BT’s rollout plans, Mrs Baldwin still hopes a solution will be found.

“I was keen to make the case directly to BT every area needs a decent connection,”

she said. “I know that both BT and the councils are looking hard to see if we can find a quick solution for the homes and businesses here.”