WORK to roll out an ultra-fast internet service across York “should not be a choice between either having good streets or good broadband” according to one councillor.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Andrew Waller hit out at TalkTalk for failing to repair pavements, roads and verges after work to install new cables to boost internet speed.

But a spokesman for TalkTalk said the company is working with City of York Council to minimise disruption.

Cllr Waller said: “It should not be a choice between either having good streets or good broadband – I am sure both are possible. Many residents have been in touch to voice their frustration at the work, and the length of time it has taken to put driveways, footpaths and verges right.

“Local councillors have worked with TalkTalk from the start to ensure that residents were aware of the complaints procedures and we have pushed for a regular update to inform local residents on what is happening in their street.

“A clear plan is needed to complete the job.

“I hope that there is willingness from Talk Talk for this to happen and I have written to them to invite them to detail how this can be achieved.”

A spokesman from TalkTalk said there is a timetable of work to repair footpaths, driveways and grass verges, but the long dry summer has made some of the work challenging.

He said: “As part of our commitment to making York the UK’s first ultra fast, Ultra Fibre Optic city we’re working hard in collaboration with our construction partner and York City council to ensure there’s as little disruption as possible.

“While a long, dry summer has meant some grass verges have been affected, the majority have been restored as have the concrete driveways. We’re working together with the council to complete the remainder of the driveways and footpaths affected and we’re confident residents will see the benefits in the coming months.”

He added that York footpaths are also challenging to repair as “many of these have proven to be aged and of an irregular and deteriorated quality”.

Residents can find out more about the build in their street or report problems to York’s UFO UK-based Care Line team, 8am-8pm, Monday-Sunday. Telephone: 0800 542 8073 or email: ufo-help@talktalkplc.com