BT has reassured customers in the Rowledge area that a two-week fault affecting broadband services in the village should be repaired "by the end of tomorrow (Friday)".

Many villagers have been without an internet connection since December 11 and were beginning to fear that the fault would not be repaired until after Christmas.

However, responding to customers concerns, a BT Openreach spokeperson told the Herald: "We are aware of an issue that is currently affecting some broadband services in the area at the moment.

"Openreach engineers are working around the clock on repairs, and we are aiming that as long as there are no unforeseen problems that all will be reconnected by the end of tomorrow (Friday)."

The fault reportedly coincided with a message from BT Openreach advising customers in the Rowledge area that lines would be disconnected for "upto two hours" on the morning of December 12 for network improvements.

"Actually went down on 11th and we’ve had no access since," reported resident Graeme Keel.

Another BT customer, Andrew Cooper added on Wednesday: "The majority of the village has been without broadband for over a week, but no one really knows what is going on.

"Whilst it is mildly inconvenient for me, I know of older people who are really put out since they increasingly rely on the internet for shopping, and other essential services.

"At the moment there is talk that this wont be resolved for Christmas. But no one really knows."