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
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