VILLAGERS have clubbed together to raise thousands of pounds for superfast broadband after being overlooked by the government.

Blackthorn, near Bicester – population about 320 – was among the five per cent of the county failed to benefit from the Better Broadband for Oxfordshire initiative in 2014, part of a roll-out by the government to introduce superfast broadband in rural areas throughout the country.

After missing out, residents pledged to raise about £30,000 needed for the installation and are now celebrating after the super fast Internet connection went live.

Keith Crampton said: “A small group of residents formed together and refused to accept that our village should be put in the communication slow lane.

“We decided that we would take the challenge head-on and see if the village could raise the money itself under the banner Superfast for Blackthorn.”

Resident John Henderson, who instigated the campaign, said: “It was very frustrating not being included. We felt if we didn’t do anything about it we would never get it.

“Now we have the connection, it is really good to see that the community achieved something and shows what a community can do when we come together.”

Within eight weeks, the village group had raised more than 50 per cent of the cost from community pledges.

The parish council agreed to fund a further £5,000 and several thousands pounds were pledged from local businesses including SMY Electrical Ltd and Harlan Ltd.

A village prize draw, called the 100 CLUB, also pulled in more funds as residents opted to pay in £10 a month for 10 months.

A percentage will be awarded for first, second and third prizes, with the rest helping fund the broadband installation.

This brought the funds to just shy of the necessary costs needed, including helping to fund a regular internet cafe and workshop for villagers – the remaining cash coming from Cherwell District Council.

District councillor David Hughes said: “It is really a credit to the community and people that got involved in the village. They were determined to get it up and running.”

On Wednesday, August 5, BT confirmed to residents the new superfast connection had been installed and activated, with estimated speeds averaging about 30mbps after previous speeds as slow as half a mbps.

Paul Hayward, from BT, said: “This is a great example of a village taking the initiative to secure their digital future. Their dedication and energy for the project has paid off and now they can place orders for fibre broadband.”

Wantage MP Ed Vaizey, who is digital economy minister and overseeing the broadband scheme, did not respond to requests for comment