Phone and internet access cut off in parts of Northamptonshire as cables ‘badly damaged’

A number of towns and villages in Northamptonshire have been left with no internet access after a providers’ cables were ‘badly damaged’.

Openreach, who supply connectivity to a number of broadband providers, is aware of the disruption caused by the damaged cables in Broughton and is working on repairs.

According to the provider, 'a few thousand properties' in Moulton, Kimbolton, Broughton, Corby, Kettering, Oundle and Thrapston have been affected by the lost connectivity.

A spokesman for Openreach said: “We’ve been made aware of disruption to phone and broadband services in the Broughton area, where a number of our cables have been badly damaged.

“Our engineers – as designated key workers – are able to carry out essential repair work and this is already underway. As the damaged cables are alongside the 60mph A43 road, we’ll be using temporary traffic lights so they can stay safe.”

Despite allegations surrounding the damage to the cables, Northamptonshire Police has investigated and has concluded there was ‘no criminal intent’.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “We're aware of an issue affecting a lot of people's internet access due to some cables being accidentally cut through in Broughton.

“BT are repairing the cables and hope to have everyone back online soon. We're satisfied there was no criminal intent in damaging the cables.”

Openreach is hoping to have a temporary repair ready in the next couple of days so properties will have some connectivity before a full repair can be completed.

The spokesman added: “Of course, we recognise how disruptive not having phone or broadband is for people, particularly at this time when we’re all staying at home.

“So we’re looking at whether we can put a temporary repair in place to get people re-connected in the next couple of days, before carrying out a permanent fix which involves repairing and replacing more than 230 metres of underground infrastructure.”

Further updates on the repair work will follow in the coming days.

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