MORE people than ever can use free internet in Selby town centre, and even in the park, following further upgrades to the town’s wi-fi system.

The free wi-fi project was set up by Selby Chamber and several local businesses at the end of November last year, when it was only accessible in Gowthorpe.

Now, as more businesses have got involved and allowed hubs to be used in their premises, freWider e wi-fi can be used along Micklegate, Finkle Street, Abbey Walk, the train station, Market Cross and Brook Street.

David Fieldsend, leader of the chamber, gave the equipment to start the trial scheme, and said that despite some recent problems interference and upgrades, more people than ever were using the service each day.

He said: “We’re still getting more than 700 a day using the service, even though we have had problems with the line dropping due to BT’s delayed attempts to upgrade our internet service to fibreoptic.

“The only real place we are planning to expand now is Ousegate, and a few tweaks to increase speed and reliability. The next plan of action is to use the wifi as a backbone and roll out some touchscreen information points, but these plans are just in their infancy at the present.”

The chamber has also used the “landing” page to give extra information to users, including what’s on and places of interest in the town, and has announced that the town’s bid for a share of £1 million from the Government as part of the Portas Pilot scheme had been left with the organisers, to be entered into the second round of applications.

Mr Fieldsend said: “We were unsuccessful in the first round but have left our bid in unchanged for second round which is currently under review.

“Even if we do not get the funding there are a number of ideas within the bid that could still be delivered and we will be looking at these more closely over the next couple of months, volunteers will be needed to help execute these projects so please keep your eye out for request for help”

Earlier this year, businesses, councillors and residents in the town rallied together and applied for £100,000 to invest in the town centre, with suggestions including a town centre manager, state-of-the-art electronic guides around the town, and new signposts highlighting the history and heritage of Selby.

To find out more about taking part in the Portas bid or extending the wi-fi scheme, phone Mr Fieldsend at the chamber on 0845 9013565 or email chairman@selbychamber.co.uk