THE owner of a new Internet caf has said he will block users from accessing his local council's website.

Garry Hopper, proprietor of the Easy Surf Inn in Consett, said he had received no support from the council, despite repeated requests.

He said he had wanted to give his customers the chance to access the authority's own website as soon as they turned on his computers, but the council had shown "a complete lack of interest."

He said: "I'm past caring now and my customers can access the council site if they want, but I am going to look at ways to block that. We are offering the people of the area the chance to use the internet which could be of enormous benefit for them. We feel we should have had some support."

A council spokesman confirmed that Mr Hopper had requested financial support. The application had been thoroughly considered, but he was unable to comment further last night.

Mr Hopper said Consett police community liaison officers had established links with the caf. Students at Villa Real school for youngsters with learning difficulties will be allowed to use the computers for free. The caf is in Medomsley Road.