LOCAL businesses fearing "Millennium Bug" chaos in just under 12 months' time could have a dress rehearsal - on Thursday, September 9. Mr Roger Mitchell, the expert who is acting as "Bugbuster" for Business Link Bolton & Bury, is warning that the 9th of the 9th, '99 could also be a danger date for computer failure. It is thought that some software could interpret these numbers as the end of a file rather than a date - causing programmes to crash.

"This is nothing to do with the Millennium Bug, but it could be as destructive," Mr Mitchell said.

Although nobody knows the likely scale of disruption in September, it is likely to prove to be a useful indicator of the problems expected to engulf some computer systems when 1999 moves on to the year 2000 next January 1.

In the meantime Business Link Bolton and Bury is urging companies to make sure they make thorough contingency plans to minimise the risks.

Director Mark Allanson said: "The 9th of the 9th, 1999 is one early danger date for computer failure, but checking software compliancy is just a small part of making sure your business is ready for the Millennium.

"You have to examine the risks in a much broader context by looking at your supply and demand chain."

Business Link is offering free places at awareness raising seminars, free training (worth £600) and a diagnostic kit that helps companies assess their computer and business risks towards year 2000 compliance.

Comprehensive back-up support, including subsidised consultancy services, is also available.

Mr Allanson added: "Businesses need to act now.

"Business Link's trained advisors have the expertise and skills to help you do a simple risk analysis and prepare a contingency plan."

More information about free Millennium Bug packages is available from Roger Mitchell on 0845 6016010.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.