SUPERFAST broadband will be available to everyone in Ongar and North Weald if MP Eric Pickles gets his way.
The Tory politician believes it is vital for residents and businesses alike that broadband speeds are increased to 24Mbps in Ongar and the surrounding villages.
He has been lobbying both Peter Martin, leader of Essex County Council, and Tim O'Sullivan, director of public affairs at BT, to try to secure faster internet access.
Mr Pickles said this week: "Too many people in Ongar are still not able to take advantage of the developments in broadband speeds to help them with their work and home lives.
"Superfast broadband would be a big boost to the economy in Ongar. It isn't just about being able to shop online, it is also about businesses being able to download big files and to handle inquiries from around the world."
The Government, in which Mr Pickles serves as the local government secretary, has put aside £530 million of public money to stimulate commercial investment for high-speed broadband in rural communities.
Meanwhile, the county council is recruiting a firm which will upgrade the telecoms network, enabling Essex businesses and residents to better access superfast broadband.
Martyn Pattie, chairman of Ongar Town Forum, said: "We are in favour of anything that can speed up internet access. It will help businesses and shops in the High Street because they are relying more on internet business rather than passing trade."
Councillor David Stallan, who represents North Weald Bassett on Epping Forest District Council, said: "In this age when more and more people work from home, it is important to have a better service.
"Superfast broadband would be a welcome boost, not only for businesses, which are very important, but also for residents."
Fay Hewett, owner of Balloonatics party shop in Ongar High Street, added: "We always have problems with access here – it's like the Black Hole of Calcutta for the internet in this High Street.
"From a business point of view, it would be fantastic for us to be able to surf the internet quickly and find things for customers we can't source from wholesalers."
A county council spokesman said: " We recognise how important broadband is for the economic growth of the county, which is why we have committed £6.46 million to secure investment of almost £26 million to invest in improving our broadband capacity.
"We have the project team in place to now go to procurement for the contract to deliver the investment and are waiting for the Department of Culture, Media and Sports, through their Broadband UK team, to give us the go-ahead.
"Essex is on target to deliver superfast broadband to 90 per cent of the county with all premises receiving basic service by 2015."
