WROUGHTON residents are finally set to get broadband Internet services. Campaigners have battled since August last year to bring the super-fast technology to the village.

But BT said because it is so expensive to install, it would only do so if there was enough interest. It set a target of 300 people.

Earlier this week that target was reached and broadband should be installed within 14 weeks.

Campaign organiser John Forster-Heatlie said he was delighted with the news. He said: "Broadband will mean people no longer have to put up with slow internet connections and can download files with ease."

Last month the Evening Advertiser reported that campaigners were struggling to find the last 35 would-be subscribers.

Mr Forster-Heatlie said: "Following the story, we had no trouble finding the others. At first people were a bit reluctant because they didn't know what broadband involved but now, thanks to the Advertiser, they know exactly what it is."

As well as being faster, broadband allows people to use the phone and internet simultaneously.

More information can be found at the website www.getonandgetit.co.uk/wroughtonbb

Following BT's decision to install broadband, Intel, which has its UK headquarters in Pipers Way, is looking into donating computers to the Prospect Hospice, in Wroughton.

No date has yet been set but spokesman Ian Lloyd hopes to get the ball rolling in the New Year.

He said: "A lot of patients do not live near their friends and family. Broadband will enable them to keep in touch more easily, using e-mail."