Shops and cafes in Halstead town centre could get funding for a free to use Wi-Fi network in a bid to boost visitor numbers.

Business leaders are looking at ways to attract more shoppers and keep them in town.

Similar schemes are being considered in Braintree and in Witham, where the Newlands Shopping Centre already has free Wi-Fi.

Halstead Town Team chairman Dave Gronland said: “We are looking into having a Wi-Fi hub for the town, it is probably best to have it on top of the church.

“Businesses could provide free Wi-Fi on site as well. Most young people won’t be without their smartphones and if I’m out I will use an app to find a restaurant or cash machine.

“But if there’s no signal you can’t do it. It is something we’ve got to start thinking about now.”