THE Government's suggested answer to the problems of us privileged to earn our living in rural Lancashire is the Internet. We are encouraged to fill in forms, and to bank, shop, pay tax or market our products over the Internet.

But without faster Internet access -- broadband -- this vision will remain simply a vision. Businesses in rural areas are prevented from offering the same service as their urban competitors. BT spends millions of pounds advertising broadband products in our region to people who can't get it.

If we want to keep our young, skilled workforce in the countryside, we must have broadband. If we want to attract high-tech, low impact businesses, we must have broadband. If our small producers wish to sell their goods over the Internet, we must have broadband.

BT's excuses for not enabling rural exchanges to supply broadband in country areas is that it is expensive and there is insufficient demand. The Country and and Business Association disputes this strongly.

We know from our own members that rural business demands affordable broadband, and if it doesn't arrive soon businesses will turn their backs on their rural premises and workforce to join their competitors in the towns and cities.

We are asking government to make incentives available to BT, so that they can provide broadband to those who need it the most.

The only way rural businesses will get broadband is to prove that there is a demand. This can be done in two ways:

1. Register your support for the Broadband Rural Britain Campaign by e-mailing campaigns@cla.org.uk or visiting the website www.cla.org.uk/campaigns

2. Log on to the BT website www.bt.com/broadband You can check if broadband is available on your exchange, and if not you can register your interest by following the instructions on the site. BT will only act once their 'trigger level' has been reached.

DOUGLAS CHALMERS, North West regional director, Country Land and Business Association, Burton, Carnforth.