INVERCLYDE is now up to speed with superfast broadband and starting to overtake other areas.

MP Ronnie Cowan has campaigned to improve coverage in local communities and achieve higher speeds, saying this is vital for the local economy and attracting investment.

New government figures show the area is finally operating above the national average and outperforming its near neighbours.

But Mr Cowan has vowed to fight on to improve broadband blackspot Inverkip.

He said: “I welcome the continued improvements to broadband access and speeds throughout Inverclyde. 

“It’s pleasing to learn that superfast broadband is now available to 93 per cent of the area and average download speeds have increased substantially. 

“However, one town where more action is required is Inverkip.

“This is something I will continue to raise with the relevant authorities to ensure all of Inverclyde has access to superfast broadband.”

New UK Government figures show Inverclyde now has average download speeds of 62mbs compared with 44mbs nationally.

This has followed a push by Virgin Media to upgrade to fibre optics.

Broadband coverage nationally stands at 91 per cent, while in neighbouring Paisley and Renfrewshire North the rate is 86 per cent.

Mr Cowan added: “I believe this is the fourth utility, which is vital for households.”