VILLAGERS are campaigning to get access to the future of the information superhighway.

Mark Tebbutt, 28, a freelance IT consultant from Ash Meadow Lane, Brinscall, has launched a drive to get broadband internet access for Brinscall, Abbey Village, Higher Wheelton, Wheelton, Withnell and Withnell Fold.

Broadband makes internet access a lot faster and customers can use the phone at the same time as e-mail and conduct video e-mails.

The Government sees broadband as playing a crucial role in helping revitalise rural economies, but the villages around Withnell are a black spot between Chorley and Blackburn for broadband access.

It would require the telephone exchange at Withnell being upgraded by BT.

Mark has now set out his stall with a flier campaign and is lobbying BT and Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle.

He has received more than 60 positive responsesand aims to access the £30 million set aside by the government to grant broadband access to rural areas.

Mark said: "Local businesses have backed the campaign, saying it would help them."

A BT spokesman said: "BT have to be sure it will get a return on its investment. There are numerous benefits to broadband so we want as many people as possible to have it."

BT is upgrading 100 exchanges a month and will investigate Withnell and other rural areas which are candidates to get broadband.

Mark's website is www.broadband4brinscall.co.uk