SOUTH Somerset District Council is hosting an open meeting which aims to boost local campaigns for broadband across the area.

The meeting has been arranged as part of the council's commitment to see broadband in the district's future infrastructure. The authority views the meeting on January 29 from 6.30pm to 8pm at the council offices in Brympton Way as crucial to developing a balanced local economy.

BT recently announced targets for all remaining exchanges, and the race is on for each exchange to gain sufficient registrations by households and businesses to be enabled for ADSL broadband.

Those exchanges within the South Somerset area still needing to achieve their target registrations are Bruton, Buckland St Mary, Charlton Mackrell, Chiselborough, Corton Denham, Ilchester, Isle Brewers, Long Sutton, Marston Magna, Milborne Port, North Cadbury, Somerton, South Chard, South Petherton, Templecombe, Wheathill and Winsham.

The aim of the meeting is to:

Strengthen individual campaigns through an exchange of ideas, information and encouragement for practical local action.

Provide an overview of the position across South Somerset Julie Russill, from BT, will be on hand to answer questions, and provide information on campaigns, target levels and the company's position to those attending.

The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in bringing broadband to South Somerset - official BT campaigners and members of campaign groups, local residents, councillors or business people. Successful campaigners will also be particularly welcomed to share their experience. Those living within an enabled exchange, but who so far cannot connect because of distance, may also be interested.

Those wishing to attend are asked to reply to the council's technical support manager Tony Reese, by Wednesday, January 28. The meeting will be held in the council chamber, at the district council offices at Brympton Way, Yeovil. Light refreshments are on offer from 5.30pm on the day of the meeting.