A business leader has welcomed completion of work to upgrade broadband connections for more than 44,000 homes and businesses.

BT engineers have completed upgrade work in Bradford city centre, Horton Bank, Queensbury and Laisterdyke, the company announced yesterday.

The investment has been welcomed by Sandy Needham, chief executive of Bradford Chamber, who said: “Super-fast fibre broadband will benefit both local residents and businesses in all of these locations. Broadband is an essential part of Bradford’s present and future. It’s vital that we embrace this latest generation of technology in order for our local economy to remain competitive. Broadband is an essential part of Bradford’s present and future. It’s vital that we embrace this latest generation of technology in order for our local economy to remain competitive.

“Better, faster communications boost businesses, helping them grow and create more jobs. What’s more, local residents can enjoy faster browsing and downloading at home. This is great news.”