Free public access WiFi has been installed in Knaresborough in an effort to increase footfall as more people return to working from home.
Knaresborough is the latest market town to have the WiFi installed as part of a project between North Yorkshrie County Council, Harrogate Borough Council and NYnet.
The scheme is delivering free internet access to 16 market towns across the county. It has already been rolled-out in Ripon with Harrogate soon to follow.
Harrogate Borough Council has put £300,000 to improving internet coverage in the hope of supporting recovery adn growth within district towns.
With more people encouraged to work from home, the organisations involved have said it is important for towns to find new ways to encourage visitors.
Cllr Graham Swift, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development at the borough council, said:
“Providing free Wi-Fi in public spaces supports our economic growth strategy which aims to make the Harrogate district the best place to live, work and visit.
The scheme also aims to offer people with limited or no broadband the opportunity to access vital online services and take part in the growing digital economy.
It has been funded by a £3.6m investment from the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership as part of its allocation from the government’s Getting Building Fund.
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Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:
“As the government has imposed new working from home guidance it’s more important than ever to encourage people to continue visiting town centres and supporting local businesses.
“We have already seen many towns benefit from the scheme in 2021 which represents the latest investment to improve North Yorkshire’s digital infrastructure.”
