THE idea of having hi-tech information and advertising hubs in St Austell has been turned down – at least for the moment.

Town councillors are wary about the siting of Pulse Smart Hubs in the town centre.

Such hubs can provide free phone calls, wi-fi, mobile device charging and a defibrillator.

The units also feature a 999 button that connects directly to the police, fire and medical services in case of an emergency and a free-to-use touchscreen interface to access local maps, services, facilities and visitor information.

In addition, the hubs could offer public messaging to promote the town, local services and events. Paid-for advertising on the main screens would fund the operation of the devices.

They also contain sensors that capture data on air quality, traffic flow and footfall that can be used to improve the environment and people’s well-being. Meanwhile, they have further space for other telecom technological advances.

Town clerk David Pooley gave St Austell councillors details about the history of Pulse and about discussions that had been taking place with St Austell BID (Business Improvement District), Pulse and the clerks from Newquay Town Council and Truro City Council.

Newquay is going ahead with 12 Pulse Smart Hubs at various locations, after Cornwall planners gave permission for the network. The planners decided the proposal was acceptable and said the hubs would bring significant community benefits though they acknowledged that they would also have a visual impact on the streetscapes.

In Austell, town councillors, though supportive of improving the town centre signage, expressed concerns with regard to the height of the hubs, the number proposed and the potential for misuse of the wi-fi and emergency calling features.

They decided that the town council would not go ahead with such a scheme until the hubs were proven to work satisfactorily in other local towns.