COUNCILLORS have passed up the chance to move with the times by giving the internet the thumbs down.

Dartford councillors were asked to ditch their fax machines in favour of a broadband internet connection.

But they declined the offer at a cabinet meeting on January 26.

Supporting the offer could have saved the council up to £12,000 a year.

The meeting revealed the council has been given £40,000 from the Government to buy 37 laptops.

But a study showed only 13 out of 27 members who replied to a questionnaire use their computers daily.

Funding for the 43 fax machines currently comes directly from the council's budget but all e-technology would be funded directly by the Government.

By using the internet to communicate, the council would also save money on printing and posting agendas.

Some councillors admitted to not understanding the new technology.

Councillor Ann Allen said: "I am a bit of an old dinosaur in many ways but I find my fax very useful.

"We should be accessible to everyone. Not everyone has a computer.

"I think the council should move with the times but it is hard to keep up."

Cllr Allen uses her fax an average of six times each week and dismissed the fact she would be more accessible to the community if she used emails.

Councillor Bryan Reed said: "I want to keep my fax. I can see when I have one.

"If I want to see an email I have to get the laptop out and plug it in."

Younger members of the cabinet were disappointed with the result.

Councillor Anthony Martin said: "In the 21st Century it seems to me to be the most practical way to work.

"I don't see why laptops are being provided when we are still using fax machines. Are they just being used as glorified typewriters?"

The cabinet agreed to look at providing more training for members and a trial into the effectiveness of broadband will go ahead, which Cllr Martin volunteered to try.