PLANS for free and seamless town centre Wi-Fi is hoped to bolster town centre business in Southend, along with a new app being launched by the council.

The new Wi-Fi network providers are promising convenience and faster connectivity - unlike the sporadic experiences of the current hotspots.

Meanwhile, the council has been working closely with technology company, IntechnologyWiFi, to make the new mobile app, Citi-Wise, as effective as possible.

From next month, users can download the app and use it to pay car park costs and report fly-tipping, so the council can deploy services straight away.

Trevor Byford, executive councillor for technology, is excited at the dual prospect.

He said: “For our economy to flourish, we need to be at the cutting edge of new technology and we are committed to delivering new infrastructure to support innovation and enterprise.

“Local businesses will be able to use the network to better engage with customers, adopt new technology and become more productive.

“The network will improve the overall visitor experience in the town and help Southend compete as an attractive destination for retail and leisure.”

Natalie Duffield, chief executive of IntechnologyWiFi, said: “Our free-to-use network will provide universal connectivity to everyone in Southend, helping them to feel more connected and engaged, whether they are residents or visitors, and allowing them to access the services and benefits available in the digital world.”

Alex Bright, a conservative councillor from the Southchurch ward, thinks the new app will prove to be very popular.

He commented: “This is just one example of how we, as a council, are continuing to meet the demands of a modern and increasingly digital society, paving the way for a more innovative and technologically minded town for the future.”

Councillor Lawrence Davies from the Kursaal ward added: “I am looking forward to the app as this will help improve our services. The network will be beneficial for tourists who can easily find our borough’s attractions.”

The public WiFi will become available in September.