Basildon is getting its first internet cafe - and its 36 PCs will be open to the public from Monday.

Called Fragz R Us, it will specialise in gaming, giving visitors a chance to try their hand at big name titles like Medal of Honor and Splinter Cell.

The unit, in East Walk, by Pizza Hut, has been set up by Peter Brown, 53, and his son-in-law Ronald Ross, 34.

Mr Brown said: "There is nothing like this in the area and we hope it will really take off.

"Everybody moans about kids hanging about with nothing to do. This will solve it, because it gives them what they want. A lot of them sit playing at home. This way they can socialise at the same time and the network means they can play against each other."

Published Friday July 2, 2004

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