NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray said he was delighted to hear that Malmesbury and Wootton Bassett would both go live with broadband within the next few months.

He said BT would start to build the necessary lines and hoped to go live in around ten weeks' time.

Mr Gray thanked those who had campaigned hard to achieve this result.

"I am delighted that BT have reduced these thresholds and that Wootton Bassett, Malmesbury and Bradenstoke are now in the process of getting broadband," he said.

"I am particularly grateful to all those in my constituency who have campaigned so hard for this excellent result, and to BT for their co-operation. I hope that we will now be able to see other areas of North Wiltshire moving in the same direction".

Mr Gray has a link from his own website, jamesgray.org to the BT registration website. which will allow anyone who wishes to register to do so easily.

Communication consultant William Allbrook who has led the Malmesbury campaign, said: "I checked the site on Friday and there were 348 registrations and I know some people registered over the weekend.

"Having broadband in Malmesbury is going to make it easier for people who work and live here. Email is going to be much quicker with access ten times faster. Broadband will make a big difference to individuals and companies.

County councillor John Thomson said: "Broadband makes the Lucent site a much more attractive prospect for employers. It will also attract companies considering moving to the area and make it more attractive for people who work at home."