BROADBAND users face a postcode lottery with some parts of Maldon suffering crippling speeds, new figures reveal. Across the district, broadband speeds range from a superfast 64.1Mbps to a snail-paced 0.3Mbps, according to data from Uswitch.com. It means families using Zoom, Skype or Facebook to speak to relatives and friends could be faced with annoying freezes, cut-outs and sound delays. Those downloading Christmas movie classics could be left waiting up to 120 hours, compared to just one minute 20 seconds in neighbourhoods with the fastest speeds. The average broadband speeds were collected in postcode areas with more than 50 addresses through at least one test in the 12 months up to October this year.
It s been a particularly busy year full of scandals and switch-ups, so here is a breakdown.
Breaking code Controversy first began when former council leader Adrian Fluker was found to have breached the councillors code of conduct. An independent investigation was launched after complaints were made against him for making a throat-slit gesture and saying Hello Sailor to fellow councillor Richard Siddall. In his official complaint, Mr Siddall said that Mr Fluker had subjected him to bullying, intimidation and homophobic behaviour over a sustained period. Mr Fluker stood down as council leader after four years on the leadership team. Councillors later voted to suspend Mr Fluker from sitting on council committees and working parties for 12 months.