West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has this week called for urgent progress to lift the deadlock blocking the upgrade of broadband services in Malvern. The MP has contacted Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt to get advice on finding a way to speed up the roll out of superfast broadband for the county. Harriett is also planning to meet with new Conservators’ director Stephen Bound to discuss the present impasse blocking the upgrade of BT’s cabinets on protected land in the Malvern Hills. Harriett said: “I was concerned to hear that negotiations between BT and the Malvern Hills Conservators have not yet reached a deal and this issue is dragging on. “I understand that a deal may be close and I have repeated my offer my help to both parties to try and find a solution and I will do all I can to help. “I am concerned that the roll out of broadband solutions for the county are running at snail’s pace and I have contacted the Secretary of State to warn him of local delays. “European State Aid rules are currently blocking suppliers from starting work on local projects but I urge local communities to contact their county council to start the ball rolling. “The Government is investing millions of pounds to make sure that rural communities get proper broadband speeds. It is important that each village gets in touch with the county council to start planning to fix local issues.”