TAVISTOCK Chamber of Commerce and the town's BID are getting behind the Connecting Devon and Somerset campaign to make sure Tavistock is not left in the dark ages when it comes to internet connectivity.

These two organisations are putting their weight and resources behind a campaign to encourage their members to go online and fill out the superfast broadband survey that is running for the next few months.

Leaflets, posters, door-to-door visits and road shows will form the basis of Tavistock's approach to getting its business and residents to realise the benefits that superfast broadband will bring.

Nigel Eadie, chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, said: 'The world is changing and we need to change with it if we want to ensure the long-term economic prosperity of our beautiful town.

'The internet plays a big part in our work and home lives nowadays and its importance is only going to increase.

'We need the whole town to go online and register their interest in having superfast broadband in Tavistock.

'People need to go to http://www.connectingdevonandsomerst.co.uk">www.connectingdevonandsomerst.co.uk rather than any other site, to ensure Tavistock is in with a chance of receiving the funding for superfast broadband. If people register with other sites the information will not be used as part of the national programme.'

Nathaniel Davis, of Nathaniel Davis Associates, said: 'Tavistock is the right place for a business like ours. The surroundings are inspiring and the quality of life for employees is great. It boosts our creativity to be surrounded by such beautiful countryside and our clients always comment on it when they visit.'

But with a broadband upload speed of under 0.5 megabits per second, the agency is paying the price for their beautiful setting as simple tasks become complicated.

He said: 'We send a lot of artwork to clients and to print by uploading and downloading documents. To get the best speeds, all other internet-based work has to halt so we get the best speeds possible. It's so frustrating for everybody involved and puts pressure on deadlines.'

Mr Davis said Tavistock had the potential to really attract the best people with talent if it could offer a great lifestyle alongside business opportunities.

'The lack of superfast broadband really impacts on the amount of work that can be carried out at one time. It means that if I want to grow my agency's client base or increase my team, I'd probably have to consider relocating the business.'