AN UNDERGROUND bunker storing essential computer data for businesses around the world is being inundated with inquiries in the build-up to war.

International companies worried their firms will collapse if a terror attack affects their computer systems want to protect their data at the underground bunker near Ash.

Information technology company A L Digital own the bunker on the former RAF Ash site, from which it operates computer systems for all kinds of businesses around the globe.

The bunker is protected from chemical or biological attack by 6ft-deep concrete walls and magnetic shielding. It means wherever a terror attack struck, the systems of companies subscribed to AL Digital would be safeguarded.

Operations manager Paul Lightfoot said: "There has been a dramatic increase in clients approaching us since talk of war with Iraq started, which is now inevitable.

"September 11 got people started thinking seriously about protecting their systems but the increase has been more recent. We've suffered terrorist attacks in this country before but the stakes are now raised because they have access to weapons of mass destruction.

"With the Gulf War in the press, businesses are thinking there's a good chance the UK will have a pretty serious terrorist strike, and some are now saying that is inevitable.

"Data is a very valuable commodity now, companies can't trade without it. If they lose all their customer data they are in big trouble.

"We're working flat out--we have people wanting to move their systems out of London within two days."

Mr Lightfoot was an IT specialist with the RAF for 15 years and says the bunker's function and nature of the increase in business does not worry him.

"Just after A L Digital bought the bunker from the RAF there was the Docklands bombing and anti-capitalists have long targeted business systems, so terrorism has always been an issue.

"I've been in this business for a long time so I don't worry, I think it's a sensible precaution."