A WORCESTER broadband campaigner has joined forces with British Telecom in an attempt to deliver the high-speed internet service to the entire city.

Dr Brian Gladman is hopeful that the telecom giant's plans to finance a leaflet campaign to 1,000 residents in St John's could help connect the area to the latest ADSL internet technology.

Two of Worcester's four exchanges are already upgraded to receive broadband, while the Fernhill Heath exchange is currently being upgraded to deliver the service by March.

St John's is now the only place in the city unplugged to the hi-tech service, which makes internet access quicker, without blocking phone lines.

"To upgrade the St John's exchange to receive broadband, 650 people need to register an interest. I contacted BT because I felt it was a ridiculously high trigger level to achieve," said Dr Gladman.

"Although BT said they couldn't do anything about the level, they sent an e-mail back to me stating they would like to help with a leaflet campaign in the area."

Currently, 307 people have registered an interest in using the St John's exchange and Dr Gladman, from Palmers Green, who set up a Worcester broadband pressure group, believes the flyers could bring about the final push.

"I've seen the first draft of the leaflet and made a few alterations to it and I'm bullish this will help to bring this service to St John's."

A spokesman for BT said the company was delighted to back the campaign.

"We are working in partnership with the campaign group and we are currently designing, printing and soon set to distribute 1,000 flyers to the area, while giving some background information and case history to the group," he said.

Fernhill Heath residents can sign up for the ADSL service from mid-January on www.bt.com/broadband

Users wanting to register an interest can also log on to the same site or visit Dr Gladman's campaign website on www.worcesterbroadband.org.uk