A MULTI-MILLION pound project to bring 'superfast' internet to homes across Worcestershire has been signed up to by just 6,000 households, it has emerged.

New data reveals how the much-trumpeted £21 million superfast broadband scheme has been taken up by only 17 per cent of those eligible for it, leading to a row between councillors about "a waste of money".

The project, backed with up to £8.5 million from county taxpayers, is among the most expansive in the UK, bringing ultra-fast web speeds to 95 per cent of county homes and businesses by 2018.

It recently passed a major milestone in connecting the fibres to 35,000 properties, but the sign-up rate is around 6,000.

The Conservative leadership at County Hall says the figure is still better than most parts of the country and insists it will rise, pointing to the fact many people are tied into contracts with providers which may have several months to run.

But questions are being asked of the finances of the deal, with is being done in conjunction with BT.

Councillor Peter McDonald, who leads the opposition Labour group, said: "This was a private venture and the council should have never got involved in an effort to boost the profits of one particular company that makes profits in the billions.

"With street lighting being turned off at midnight, funding cuts to tackle drug abuse, domestic violence, youth centres being closed down and young people thrown on to the streets?

"That £8m would have kept all these services and more going. It really turns my stomach."

But the council says the scheme, which has overwhelming backing from the business community, is a vital one in ensuring Worcestershire is not "left behind".

Councillor Simon Geraghty, the deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "Take-up in Worcestershire, three years before deployment will be completed, currently stands at just over 17 per cent.

"This is above the average nationally when compared to other areas at a similar point in their deployment.

"We must not lose sight that superfast broadband will enable our business and residents to build develop and be prepared for the future.

"This crucial investment in the county's infrastructure is fundamental for today, tomorrow and our next generation and we must not be left behind."

"It is important that we ensure residents and businesses are aware they need to 'sign-up' when fibre reaches their area in order to benefit from improved speeds.

"We recognise that many residents and businesses are tied into 12-month contracts and so are unable to access fibre straight away."

BT is stumping up £8.9 million towards the costs while the Government has forked out £3.3 million.

By 2018 the project will have reached 55,000 properties across the county, as we first revealed two years ago.

Within Whitehall the scheme is widely thought of as among the best in the country, alongside the likes of Cornwall, with the take-up being slow but steady nationwide.

Earlier this summer the county council said the bright pink BT posters, which are wrapped around some green street cabinets, are making a difference around various pockets of Worcestershire.

The speed, defined as anything above 24 megabytes per second is enough to download huge files, watch films or music videos and flick through web pages instantly.

* Want more details on the scheme? The county council has produced a very handy website all about it HERE.