Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has welcomed news from BT that Barnet will be included in the next phase of their rollout of fast broadband in the UK.

The company told the Conservative MP that 98 per cent of households and businesses in the constituency will have access by the time the next phase is completed in two years.

While more than 90 per cent of households have access to fast broadband in the constituency, there are significant gaps in High Barnet, which has caused frustration among households.

Ms Villiers said the upgrade programme includes five of the nine cabinets in High Barnet highlighted by the Barnet Society as a priority.

These include Wood Street near the Black Horse pub, Bells Hill near the junction of Wood Street, Manor Road near the junction of Cedar Lawn Avenue, Wood Street near the entrance to the Old Courthouse recreation, and Salisbury Road near the junction of Stapylton Road.

A sixth cabinet in High Street, by Hadley Parade, is due to be upgraded after funding was provided by residents.

Ms Villiers said: “Today's announcement is an important step forward but the campaign for better broadband in Barnet will continue.

“The upgrade of five of the cabinets is not yet a certainty. It will be subject to further physical surveys and work, and the whole process could take up to two years.

“I will keep up the pressure on BT to deliver on the announcement made today, in full, as soon as possible.”