Residents and businesses in a North Yorkshire town could get access to faster broadband if the area is chosen as one of the government's Enterprise Zones.

Current internet connections in Selby are some of the slowest in the country, with a recent study revealing 53 per cent of people in the community are forced to put up with a poor-quality broadband service.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, said the government could help locals and go some way towards achieving its commitment of providing the UK with Europe's best super-fast broadband network by choosing the area as an Enterprise Zone, reports the York Press.

As announced by chancellor George Osborne in the latest Budget, 21 of these zones will be created across the country in a bid to boost the economy in struggling locations.

Businesses will be offered a range of incentives for moving to these areas, with benefits set to include discounted rates, simplified planning rules and the guarantee of access to a super-fast broadband service.

Outlining Selby's case, Mr Adams insisted it is "very frustrating" having to cope with the low speeds currently on offer in the town.

"We have some of the largest areas of 'not spots' in the country and one of the facts about Enterprise Zones is that businesses will be able to access super-fast broadband, so this could be something in our favour," he commented.

"It's essential for business growth and I have been pushing if for some time."

Selby has been shortlisted as a potential Enterprise Zone site, along with Bradford city centre, the Aire Valley in Leeds and Wakefield's M62 corridor.

The exact locations of zones in Liverpool, London, Manchester and Nottingham have already been named.

Other cities and communities to benefit from the initiative include north-east England, the Black Country, Bristol, Birmingham and Solihull. 

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