THE EXMOOR Trust has taken up the challenge to get better broadband coverage in the great Exmoor area.

The Trust plans to highlight the need to politicians and service providers and are setting up a database for Exmoor which can then be expanded into other rural areas of Somerset and Devon.

Trust chairman Susan May said: "We need to anticipate what successive generations and businesses will need in future.

"There are about 5% of dwellings without access to ADSL due to the distance from their exchange and poor state of existing wire connections, but already most of our children are using high speed broadband in their schools which are connected by fibre optic.

"This area needs the lure of Next Generation Faster Broadband to attract and retain high tech businesses.

"We should also remember that broadband access still adds to the value of property and businesses."

The Exmoor Trust intends to begin work on its database of people without broadband next month and will publicise the requirements through press advertisements and through organisations such as the NFU.

That will be followed by a symposium on Friday, July 16, at the Ralegh's Cross Inn.

Archie McIntyre, the trustee who is organising the event, said: "Our symposium, held in 2004, was successful in drawing the attention of service providers to the united clamour for access to broadband on Exmoor. It undoubtedly led to Exmoor being granted early access.

"Now we face a similar challenge for faster broadband but this time we have to recognise the scale of competition, especially demographic, which feeds business and political priorities, the impact of delay on the conduct of business, and of the possible loss of school leavers seeking work in the high tech fields."

For more information call Archie McIntyre on 01884243568 or at info@exmoortrust.org.uk