Some 200 broadband users in the West Midlands are without high-speed Net access after the company supplying the service went into receivership earlier this month.

Independent Networks - a network provider for two Advantage West Midlands-funded rural broadband pilot projects in Leominster, Herefordshire and in the Bredon Hill area of Worcestershire - went into receivership on December 5.

Advantage West Midlands is a Regional Development Agency (RDA) that used public cash to help fund the project. Services in both areas only began in the Autumn.

In a statement Advantage West Midlands said that it "regrets the uncertainty caused to customers of these pilots brought about by the receivership. We are working with the receiver and with other interested parties to ensure continuity of service and a satisfactory outcome for all concerned."

It's understood that the receiver is in discussions with a number of interested parties concerning the future of Independent Networks' assets and customers. ®