Scarborough launches free broadband for residents and tourists

Scarborough has launched free wireless broadband access for people living in or visiting the coastal town.

Yorkshire Forward and South Bay Traders Association joined forces to fund the project, which has seen the resort install hardware that will supply public internet connections across its Victorian South Bay.

John Senior, chairman of Scarborough's South Bay Traders Association, said: "This is a superb example of how tradition meets technology, with Britain's first ever coastal resort now providing the country's first seafront with free broadband Wi-Fi access.

"Visiting businessmen and women can be in contact with their office and business world while enjoying lunch on the seafront. "

Gareth Watson, a member of the 'Fast Group', proposed the Freebay Wi-Fi project as part of of the town's ongoing plans to improve infrastructure and attract investment.

Scarborough has a population of around 50,000 and is currently the most popular resort on the Yorkshire coast.