REPRESENTATIVES from businesses, the third sector and the town council gathered at the Corn Exchange, Cardigan, on Thursday evening to discuss the merits of free public wifi.

Clive Davies, mayor and Town Centre Partnership; Peter Austin of Ceredigion County Council; and Telemat’s Aled Davies all gave presentations on the benefits for tourists, local residents and businesses then questions were invited from attendees.

“It was heartening to see so many people turn out in such bad weather,” said Ann Stokoe, Menter Aberteifi project manager. “It just goes to show how highly this project is regarded.”

The wifi system will include a website and will mesh with information beacons and the new town app, being produced under the Coastal Communities Fund. As well as offering advertising opportunities to businesses and free internet access, it will also provide valuable marketing data such as how many people are in town at any time, where they are going and how many times they visit.

Visitors will be able to get information on things like local events, history, places to go, where to eat and emergency services.