PLANS to improve broadband across Lancashire would be a ‘boost to the economy’ according to a rural group.

Thousands of homes and businesses are in line for faster broadband by the end of the year as part of Superfast Lancashire.

The ambitious, multi-million pound project is to make superfast broadband available throughout the county after a partnership with BT and Lancashire County Council.

The move has been welcomed by the Countryside Alliance who said improving rural broadband provision is a bigger boost to the economy than other key technological innovations.

In poll carried out for the Countryside Alliance, 80 per cent agreed that rolling out high-speed broadband across the whole of the UK would have a positive impact. The figure rose to 85 per cent among rural dwellers.