PLANS to install a chain of BT Hubs at locations across St Helens town centre have been given permission.

The hubs, which would include 75-inch advertising screens, and offer wi-fi and free telephone calls, have been given the green light by council planners.

The telecommunications giant submitted the proposals to the council for various locations.

Each hub would feature two 75-inch screens and plans involve the removal of some existing BT phone boxes.

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Planned locations include outside of 21-23 Barrow Street; 5 Market Street; Church Gate Shopping Centre on Bridge Street; 17 Church Street; 25 Ormskirk Street; on Ormskirk Street and Brook Street.

In an application it is stated: “BT Street Hubs have all the existing features of the previous InLink unit but has better Wi-Fi range and capabilities to include environmental sensors, insight counting and small cell mobile connectivity.

“The addition of the 5G small cells into BT Street Hubs is very much in line with current UK Government’s guidance on communications infrastructure and the National Infrastructure Strategy”.

It adds: “Overall, BT Street Hubs will help future-proof the high street making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable, while also providing a valuable contribution to the Government’s aim to improve wireless communications across the UK”.

St Helens Council has this week approved 12 applications for the hubs.

In a report, planning officer Natasha Ayres said: "The adverts would not adversely impact on the character and appearance of the local area, and would not harm the visual amenity of surrounding occupiers."

It was said the facility would have the "ability to improve the quality of the immediate streetscape for residents, businesses and visitors".

Formal permission has been granted to the applications.