LANCASHIRE County Council and British Telecom are leading the way in delivering information to the county at the touch of a screen or button.

The pioneering Lancashire Information Network Kiosk System (LINKS) was launched last week, utilising the latest technology to offer a wealth of information, such as:

council services;

business information;

European information;

information for young people;

local community bulletins;

tourist information; and

travel.

The system is available through any computer with internet access, in addition to specially-built kiosks in rural locations, such as village halls and libraries.

Users can choose the information from the kiosk screens by touching the appropriate icon - and can even print off forms if needed as well.

John West, Lancashire County Council leader, said: "We started this pioneering project more than three years ago to develop the very best information service we can for the people of Lancashire.

"LINKS has attracted European and business funding and has an interactive element so that people can communicate more easily with elected members and decision-makers.

Glen Fendall, BT's project manager, added: "LINKS is an exciting development that uses our communications technology to break down geographical barriers."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.