PEOPLE in Swindon will soon be getting their hands on free internet access thanks to a new council-run scheme.

Swindon Council is planning to make the town the first in the UK to provide free internet access for all its residents.

The council has worked with digital technology firm aQovia and Rikki Hunt - who thought up the idea - to form the company Digital City UK.

Under the name Signal, the company will provide a Wi-Fi wireless mesh covering the whole of the Borough of Swindon in what is the council's first public/private commercial venture.

Residents will be able to get free connection to the internet, free line rental and connection charge while being able to stay online wherever they travel to in the borough.

The scheme will also make the streets of Swindon safer, with rapid response CCTV monitoring homes and businesses via a control room.

Council leader Rod Bluh said: "This is a truly groundbreaking partnership which will have real benefits for everyone living in Swindon.

"Not only will residents in the borough be able to access the internet for free, the council and its partners will be able to use the technology to provide cutting edge services to the areas or individuals who need them."

Rikki Hunt said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the whole of Swindon creating total social inclusion through our free service and, while others talk, Swindon is delivering a Digital City which will benefit both the public and business communities."

Anyone wishing to find out more about Swindon's Wi-Fi network can log onto: www.getsignal.co.uk.