News that BT have decided to upgrade Gnosall's telephone exchange to allow homes in the area to connect to high speed internet access has been welcomed by a Stafford Councillor.

Barry Stamp, County Councillor for Gnosall Division said he was delighted to hear that the number of people registering to join the service in the Gnosall area had reached the target figure set by BT and as such work would soon be starting to upgrade the village telephone exchange..

"A lack of a high speed Internet connection is a real problem to many people living or working in the Gnosall area. However this situation could soon be changing. Before BT upgrade a telephone exchange to allow this higher speed connection they need to ensure they will have enough potential users to make their investment worthwhile. I am glad to say that a recent decision by BT to reduce this target number now means Gnosall telephone exchange qualifies for this upgrade work. Hopefully nothing will now stand in the way of this high-speed service becoming available in the area. As well as improving the service available to home users, the introduction of broadband technology will be welcome by many local business who are struggling to compete with companies that already enjoy this service. It is hard enough running a rural based business without the added complication of poor telecommunication services. With this in mind it is now important that BT give a firm date when the work on the exchange will be carried out. To ensure this happens without delay I will be writing to Sir Christopher Bland, the Chairman of BT asking for his assurance that Gnosall will be made a priority," said Councillor Stamp.