BUSINESSES and individuals in the most rural parts of Somerset could have access to superfast broadband within three years.

On Tuesday, the EU gave approval to government plans to make broadband of at least two megabits per second available to 90% of people in the country by 2015.

It is hoped the rural broadband programme will help to create growth, jobs and economic prosperity in rural communities across Somerset.

Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said: “This is very good news for the area, which is particularly rural, and will greatly benefit from gaining access to faster broadband services.”