A BIG broadband boost has seen Inverclyde surge ahead of rates for both Scotland and the UK for superfast connectivity.

A new report shows that the district is significantly ahead of national figures on every measure available.

But MP Ronnie Cowan says he is continuing to fight for better connectivity in small 'blind spot' pockets of the constituency.

Latest official figures show that a person accessing the internet in Inverclyde benefits from a speed of 175 megabits per second, while the average in the UK is just 151.3 Mbps.

The average in Scotland is even further behind, on 144.2 Mbps.

On superfast connection availability Inverclyde pips the UK average - 96.9 per cent against 96.6 - while the Scottish average is 94.7 per cent.

In Inverclyde gigabit availability is 76.2 per cent, compared with the UK's 76 per cent and Scotland's 70 per cent.

The figure for being unable to access reliable broadband is just 0.1 per cent in Inverclyde.

The stats were released by Ofcom following a survey of connection times taken last September.

Mr Cowan says he has made fast connection times a priority since being elected in 2015. In that time the constituency broadband connection times have gone from well below the Scotland and UK average to well above.

Last July he successfully fast-tracked the installation of superfast broadband for the Grieve Road Community Hub in Greenock after holding talks with Virgin Media.

The MP, who is due to meet with Openreach and Vodafone soon to check on how services are being delivered, said: "It is good to see that Inverclyde is well-served.

Mr Cowan added: "When I was elected in 2015 it was clear that action was needed to benefit households, and crucially, businesses.

"I raised the issue with government and the various suppliers to make it clear how important connectivity is to the constituency.

"For the past couple of years Inverclyde has been outstripping figures for both Scotland and the UK, and that its to be welcomed.

“But I understand that some constituents find themselves in blind spots areas that still have a poorer service.

"This can be frustrating especially when the good service is available close by.

“I will continue to engage with suppliers to investigate methods by which we can provide everyone with the opportunity to receive the best service available."

The MP says that says good broadband speeds are more vital than ever for households and businesses alike.

He said: “Broadband is hugely important to households and its provision has been, and will continue to be, a priority for my office.

"There are many more people now working from home, it is important for those looking for a job, and just being able to see and speak to family is crucial for mental health and wellbeing.

"Most importantly small businesses in the area must be able to rely on good internet."