Cambuslang locals are suffering from “shockingly poor” internet service – and that’s official.

New figures show parts of the area are ranked in the bottom 10 per cent for quick internet speeds across the whole of the UK.

That has led to fears that residents are missing out, with the coronavirus pandemic placing an emphasis on working from home.

Now internet providers are being asked to improve the area.

Figures accessed from the House of Commons Library showed that 25.9 per cent of lines in the Halfway, Hallside and Drumsagard area are receiving under 10 megabits per second (mbps), far worse than any other part of the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency, and among the worst 10 per cent in the whole of the UK.

The area is also ranked in the worst 10 per cent for lines receiving under two mbps, and in the worst 30 per cent of areas for average download speed, at 35.3 mbps.

In contrast, areas like Spittal (94.7 for average download speed) have far higher speeds, while only five per cent of people in Cambuslang Central are receiving under 10 mbps.

The rest of Cambuslang also has issues with speeds, but not to the extent of the Halfway, Hallside and Drumsagard area.

Residents there have long complained about difficulties with access.

Cambuslang East councillor Walter Brogan and Labour list MSP James Kelly have now contacted broadband provider Openreach to ask for improvements to the area.

Cllr Brogan said: “Connectivity across the Cambuslang East Ward has long been an issue and this data further evidences how bad the problem is for some.

“Most recently, James Kelly and I have been working on of poor internet coverage in the Hallside Village area. But that is just one in a long line of cases across the ward.

“I hope Openreach will investigate thoroughly to ensure that any service issues are addressed as soon as possible.

“Now, more than ever, people are relying on access to internet at home – for work, for school and for keeping in touch with friends.

“As restrictions tighten again we are turning to our phones and computers to video call with family, watch television shows, participate in online classes – but all of these things require an adequate internet connection. Unfortunately too many of my constituents are being denied that.

“I will continue to do all I can to ensure that issues of internet connectivity in the area are properly addressed.”

Mr Kelly added: “More and more often I am hearing from constituents who are struggling to receive sufficient internet speeds.

“Over recent months we have come to value the internet more than ever before as it has allowed us to stay connected at a time where it’s difficult to do so in person.

“Sadly, many people – particularly in the Cambuslang East area – have been unable to take advantage of the services many take for granted. The House of Commons data only backs up what we already know. Cambuslang East suffers from shockingly poor internet connection, particularly in the newer areas such as Newton Farm and Drumsagard.”

A spokesperson for Openreach said: “We’re sorry to hear some residents are still having problems with slow broadband.

“We’re not aware of any major network issues in the area but on investigation our engineers have identified a large amount of internal wiring in local homes.

“This can slow down speeds dramatically, for instance if someone has old telephone extension sockets in their house.

“We’d always advise anyone not getting the broadband speed they expect to contact their service provider.

“The provider can carry out diagnostic checks and will ask Openreach for engineering support if it’s needed.

“Ofcom has published useful tips on how people can make sure they are getting the best from their existing connection.

“Openreach also offers a Community Fibre Partnership scheme where we’ll work with communities on co-funded upgrades to gigabit-capable broadband.

“Residents may be eligible for broadband vouchers from the UK and Scottish Governments to help fund an upgrade.”