CAMPAIGNERS have pledged to continue to fight for fast internet access across the Fylde coast after winning their battle to bring Broadband to Fleetwood and North Shore.

Broadband will go live in those areas on May 21, but Layton, Central Blackpool and South Shore need more surfers to sign up before broadband can get the go ahead.

It follows more than eight months of campaigning by web-enthusiast Marko Scholey, 45, who set up the broadband4blackpool initiative in July 2002.

Campaign leader Marko, of Northcliffe Drive in North Shore, says that the more people who sign up, the better.

He said: "When we launched the campaign it was apparent that there was keen interest in the Fleetwood and North Shore area.

"But we still have the Central Blackpool, Layton and South Shore areas to consider and need to get more people expressing their interest broadband before we can confirm the service.

"BT have said that both Layton and South Shore need to have 400 expressions of interest, while Central Blackpool needs 350.

"We're already on track with this, but we are keen to stress that any expression of interest in the service will not be legally binding at this stage.

"Our current aim is to keep broadband in the public eye."

Joan Humble MP, who represents Fleetwood and Blackpool North, has urged people to register their interest in the service.

She said: "I fully support the initiative shown by the broadband4blackpool campaign which has done so much to help bring broadband into Fleetwood and Blackpool North Shore.

"And am delighted that businesses in Blackpool North and Fleetwood will soon be joining Thornton-Cleveleys, Poulton-le-Fylde, St Annes and Marton in enjoying connectivity.

"But other exchanges in the area like Central Blackpool, South Shore and Layton are further behind in the race to a modern broadband connection.

"Once people experience the speed of a broadband connection they'll never want to return to using a dial-up connection.

"This will mean they can compete on a level-footing with those businesses who are already using a high-speed Internet connection.

"Not only will business benefit, but many individuals also.

"Anyone who has not yet registered their interest should visit the campaign web-site to see how many registrations are required before BT will provide broadband in their area."