TELECOMS giant BT was under fire last night for leaving Merseyside out of its plans for super-fast broadband.

The company has announced plans to install 14 fibre optic exchanges in the North West, but none are in Merseyside – all are either in or close to Greater Manchester.

Last night, both Liberal Democrat and Labour politicians in Liverpool described the company’s decision as “outrageous”.

Deputy Council leader Flo Clucas said BT was missing out on an opportunity to build its customer base.

Labour leader Joe Anderson said the company was effectively making Liverpool a “digital desert”.

He said BT, which runs a £70m-plus joint venture with the council – Liverpool Direct Limited – was letting the city down. The company also sponsors the council’s flagship convention centre, on the waterfront.

Last night, BT insisted it was committed to Liverpool, but gave no timetable for extending the super-fast broadband to Merseyside.

BT plans to provide super-fast broadband for 1.5m homes by next summer, offering greatly enhanced web browsing speeds.

It will install 69 fibre optic exchanges, with 14 in the North West.

Cllr Anderson said: “Improved super fast broadband investment is something that businesses in Liverpool have been crying out for.

“This decision by BT is effectively making Liverpool a digital desert, and will inevitably help Manchester attract more investment and new businesses.

“It’s an outrage that Liverpool has been overlooked in this case. Manchester is doing very well out of BT, Liverpool seems to be getting nothing whatsoever, despite our partnership.