WI-Fi is now available to use for free in parts of New Brighton in order to help local businesses and visitors to the area.

Wirral Council said there will be coverage along Seabank Road between Vaughan Road and Ash Grove as well as the main shopping area on Victoria Road with coverage focused between the Mermaid Sculpture and Rowson Street.

The scheme - which will enable people visitors to access Wi-Fi through their device – such as phones, tablets or laptop - is costing £5,000 and is funded through the Liverpool City Region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation, managed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Users will see the "New Brighton Public Wi-Fi" network listed as available on their device and once connected to this they will be presented with a screen inviting them to log on using their social media account or via an SMS code sent to their mobile phone.

This “landing page” will also link to New Brighton’s hospitality, leisure and visitor attractions to help visitors and residents navigate and access local hospitality, retail and leisure services in the New Brighton area.

The service is designed to be secure and is web filtered to prevent inappropriate material being accessed.

Councillor Tony Jones, chair of Wirral's economy, regeneration and housing committee, said: "Lots of popular tourist destinations have areas where free public Wi-Fi is available and we jumped at the chance to secure funding for this in New Brighton.

"I'm pleased to see that the town – one of our most popular areas for tourism – has been granted this funding.

"It will mean visitors and locals alike can access fast, secure internet access while they’re in the area without having to worry about expensive data charges.

"And most importantly I hope it also encourages even more people to use the fantastic local shops and businesses New Brighton has to offer while they’re in the area."