MORE than 130 firms were warned about how the Millennium computer time bomb problem could hit their businesses.

The warning came at a seminar on the problem staged at Ewood Park to mark the official launch of Blackburn's Business Link.

Tony Kesten from Taskforce 2000, the Government-led agency set up to highlight the problem caused by computers not being able to recognise the year 2000, warned firms they had to act now.

"It is vital for every organisation to audit all their systems and find out from suppliers where they stand and how and where any problems can be remedied," said Mr Kesten.

Assuming that computer equipment bought now would be '2000 proof' was dangerous.

"A recent test has shown that out of 500 PCs bought from retailers during May, 230 were not able to handle the change to 2000," he said.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.