SOUTHEND Council and a technology company have launched a clever new app as a further step in becoming a Smart Town Centre.

The council teamed up with IntechnologyWiFi, which is based in Harrogate, to launch the Citi-Wise app.

The smart app offers users daily highlights of the town’s hotspots, including places to eat and drink, daytime and evening events, museums and attractions.

The free app is available on Google Play and Apple iTunes. It will also appeal to tourists who can check out the borough’s most popular restaurants and entertainment.

App users can also coordinate get-togethers with their friends, and reserve movie tickets and restaurant seats.

The app comes after the council and IntechnologyWiFi launched the free WiFi last month.

Almost 10,000 people have already registered to use the WiFi, with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver also sending his compliments after the public WiFi was installed at the town’s pleasure pier.

Councillor Trevor Byford, responsible for technology, said: “I am delighted that our free WiFi is already proving so popular with local residents, businesses and visitors.

“I am sure that the Citi-Wise app will prove just as successful. Along with the free WiFi, this great free app will provide local people and visitors with all the information they need to enjoy their time in our great borough.”

Natalie Duffield, chief executive of IntechnologyWiFi, said: “We all lead busy lives at work and home and appreciate a helping hand when planning things to do with our families and friends.

“Our Citi-Wise app is speedy and efficient and provides an easy-to-use and engaging view of what’s on in Southend.

“We are partnering with some of the biggest and best names in the business to give consumers an excellent service that is useful, relevant and, most importantly, free of charge.

“Users no longer need to fill up their phone memory or waste valuable minutes trawling the web for things to do.”