County Durham businesses set for footfall boost with free town centre wi-fi

Two County Durham towns have introduced free wi-fi in the town centres in a bid to support local businesses.

Visitors and residents of Bishop Auckland and Stanley can now get online for free via new public wi-fi.

The Wi-Fi zone in Bishop Auckland runs along Fore Bondgate, to the Market Place and down Newgate Street to Morrisons roundabout, and in Stanley the zone runs along the main Front Street and down to The Louisa Centre.

It is hoped that the free wi-fi will improve connectivity and encourage footfall in the town centres, boosting the towns’ businesses and local economy.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, commented: “Having free Wi-Fi will be hugely beneficial for the town centres in both Bishop Auckland and Stanley.

“It is an important part of a town’s infrastructure and something that forward looking and thriving towns need to invest in.”

Cllr Joy Allen, the council’s Cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, added: “This will make the town centres a more vibrant and attractive place for residents, visitors, businesses and shoppers.

“We hope that the offer of free Wi-Fi will increase the time people spend in the town centres, as well as encourage additional footfall, which will help local businesses grow.”