TRADERS have backed the fight for high speed broadband in Dorset from the 2012 Olympics.

BT, which is communications sponsor for the 2012 Olympics, is laying fibre-optic connections to the Sailing academy to allow the quick transfer of data for the Games.

But the county is being urged to show that there is enough demand to keep the link after the Games finish.

Homes and businesses only have until January 31 to lodge their comments in support of the broadband.

The Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has thrown its weight behind the campaign.

President Nigel Reed said: “It is extremely important that we keep it.

“The important bit is to keep the equipment in the exchanges. We must make sure that we keep them.”

He added: “It would be a clear benefit from the Olympics.

“It would be a quantifiable legacy.”

BT will install high speed broadband and equipment in exchanges to route the high speed broadband to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. Campaigners hope that the technological revolution will form part of the county’s Olympic legacy.

The county council is asking businesses to complete an online survey to show support for keeping broadband.

It is working with the Dorset Strategic Partnership and Team Dorset, a partnership of public and private organisations working to build a lasting legacy from the 2012 Games.

Businesses have already given the high speed internet campaign the thumbs-up at an Open4 Business seminar.

The rural Dorset branch of the Federation of Small Businesses has also backed the campaign.

Council director of environment, Miles Butler, has been among those urging people to sign up.

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and the closing date for responses is Sunday, January 31.

Complete the Hi-Speed Digital Dorset Connectivity Survey by visiting www.dorsetforyou.com/broadband or teamdorset.org.uk