RURAL firms must have access to broadband internet if they are not to fall behind urban competitors. That was part of a hard-hitting New Year message from the Kent chairman of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

Edward Barham said fast internet access was a key tool for business success. It was crucial for businesses in the countryside to have access "so they are not commercially disadvantage”.

"Without broadband, the rural economy will be unable to compete in today's technology-driven markets. But of the 5,500 UK telephone exchanges, only about 1,200 have been enabled to provide broadband via BT, most of them located in the towns."

He also warned that the proposed rise in landfill tax would lead to more fly tipping throughout the countryside.

"We thoroughly endorse recycling, but rubbish in some form or other is dumped in the Kent countryside everyday," he said. "The cost to dispose of trade waste will increase and therefore the likelihood is that fly tipping from so-called landscape gardeners and jobbing builders will increase.

"Once this happens the disposal becomes the responsibility of the land owner, who has to pay for the ‘recycling’ of other waste."

He said the CLA would also urge consumers to "Think Local, Act Local, Buy Local."

"In Kent, if everyone chose to buy apple juice rather then orange on just one day a week, think what that would do for the orchards of Kent."