SPEEDY Internet connection could soon be a touch of a mouse away for cyber addicts if they register on-line today.

The town's Tory MP, Julie Kirkbride, who has been lobbying British Telecom (BT) to invest in the Hillside exchange to enable an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) connection, is encouraging Blackwell and Barnt Green residents to register their interest.

BT is prepared to put in the investment if villagers show willingness to use the service.

Most of the Bromsgrove area is already connected to ADSL but the Hillside exchange that covers around 20,000 households has yet to be upgraded.

ADSL is said to provide faster connection than the present integrated services digital network (ISDN) lines available and enables people to use the telephone while at the same time someone logs into the Internet.

Barnt Green resident Iain Clucas is keen to see ADSL connection in the area and has set up a campaign website for people wanting these services.

He said: "There are various campaigns like mine around the country and we are working closely together.

"One guy produced a league table of registration details and Hillside exchange is in joint second place.

"This is a very encouraging figure and could be used by BT to upgrade certain exchanges earlier than planned."

Miss Kirkbride said: "I have been working with Iain Clucas to get an upgrade of ADSL for the Barnt Green and Blackwell area and I am now very encouraged that this is now much more likely in the near future if we get everyone to register their interest."

Those living under the Hillside exchange with telephone numbers beginning 0121 are urged to contact Iain on www.broadbandbarntgreen.co.uk or log onto www.bt.com /broadband