RURAL areas in the North-East are in danger of being left behind in the race for new technology, the Country Landowners' Association (CLA) has warned.
Antony Haslam, regional director for Northumberland and Durham, said plans by BT to introduce new fast-track access lines to the Internet could leave the countryside behind.
He wants to see changes made to telecommunication services so people in rural areas can log on to the Internet. He said: "At the moment, there is a danger that rural areas will be disadvantaged in the information revolution by the lack of high-speed data links. This is particularly concerning at a time when there is more need than ever, because of the downturn in agriculture, to encourage new businesses to develop in the countryside. Any new business requires fast access to the Internet."
The CLA wants to see money from the rural development regulation of the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Union ploughed into providing the necessary technology.
Mr Haslam added: "High value businesses are needed to boost the economy of rural areas and they need every possible assistance.
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