RESIDENTS in public spaces in villages around Essex can access the internet with the launch of a Wi-Fi service.

The villages of Alphamstone, Bradwell, Mayland, Peldon and White Colne have had a public Wi-Fi service installed after receiving a grant from Essex County Council.

Managers of public places can apply through the Superfast Essex Community Wi-Fi Scheme to receive up to £400 towards the cost of installing a superfast broadband service and setting up Wi-Fi on their premises.

The scheme was set up by Essex County Council’s Superfast Essex broadband programme last year, but new funding for the grant was provided under the community initiatives fund.

Last year, the scheme approved 19 applications from village halls, though only five village halls which applied for the scheme have Wi-Fi available.

However, the council has opened the scheme to new suppliers other than having only two fixed suppliers from last year.

The scheme was re-launched at the Rural Community Council for Essex Village Halls Conference on Saturday October 14.