AN MS has spoken of her concern over "alarming stories" of people experiencing broadband problems in rural parts of Conwy.

Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, said she is working with the community on a growing number of broadband cases among residents, businesses and students in Ysbyty Ifan, Maenan, Penrhyn Bay and Bryn Pydew.

It comes amid a recent survey carried out by the Country Land and Business Association which found more than 50 per cent of respondents from rural areas felt that the internet they had access to was not fast and reliable.

“The startling fact that 66 per cent of survey respondents stated that they had been impacted by poor broadband just underlines that the digital divide continues to have a lasting and material impact on the success and well-being of our rural communities," said Mrs Finch-Saunders.

“In working with the community on this issue, I have heard alarming stories of business struggling to function and of our young people being unable to fulfil their homework requirements. In this day and age, we should be working to ensure parity between our rural and urban centres.

“With a recent Openreach report highlighting the 'game-changing' impact that full-fibre will have on various regions of the UK, I have now asked the Minister responsible for digital connectivity to clarify what urgent steps will be taken to support a quicker roll-out of such broadband across Wales.”

Mrs Finch-Saunders submitted a formal Written Question to the Minister for Climate Change to ensure that steps are being taken to support the quick roll-out of a full-fibre network.