A SOUTH Derbyshire councillor travelled to the House of Lords to meet telecommunications experts about the future internet connection in the area.

District councillor Amy Plenderleith was joined by Nigel Glossop, South Derbyshire District Council's head of IT services, on the "constructive" trip arranged as part of a continuing bid to improve the area's broadband infrastructure.

The pair met Warren Buckley, managing director of BT Retail, Dr George Williamson, director of strategic network design at Openreach, and two other Openreach directors.

In 2008, the district council ran a review of broadband access and urged residents to register any problems. Scores of people complained about the slow connection, particularly in Hilton and Etwall.

And in November last year, South Derbyshire MP Mark Todd joined the campaign, calling for improvements to be made.

At the latest meeting, Dr Williamson vowed to review the broadband infrastructure in South Derbyshire, which will include carrying out a thorough survey covering the capacity of the Etwall exchange, which covers Hilton and the surrounding area.

Mr Glossop said the district council had worked hard to highlight the issue.

He said: "The London meeting was very constructive and has again raised the profile of issues impacting on South Derbyshire. It is now hoped that Openreach will enhance and be able to deliver an effective broadband infrastructure for the district."

Mrs Plenderleith, who represents Hilton, said: "I hope this meeting and the promises made by BT will bear fruit and provide us with the information we need to put pressure on BT Openreach to improve the district's broadband service. BT acknowledged that all eyes are now on South Derbyshire."