BRITAIN should have a network of public computer kiosks so the less well-off can join the information revolution and have access to world-wide Internet, says a National Consumer Council report today.

And public libraries are among the suggested centres where people who cannot afford their own computer can still "surf the net".

We think it's a great idea. But those reading this newspaper, either the traditional ink-and-paper way or on the Internet itself, will know it's one that Lancashire has already had.

That's because the county's library service is already heading down the information superhighway with plans to set up terminals linked to the Net in 18 of its locations - so that users can surf the World Wide Web for as little as £3 a time.

And, as ever when it comes to innovation, an old saying has to be borne in mind..."What Lancashire does today, the rest of the world does tomorrow."

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