Shoppers in town centres and busy streets across Waltham Forest can now avail of free WiFi after a trial in Walthamstow proved to be a “big hit”.

Street furniture in shopping areas across the borough has been fitted with technology to provide a stable connection for customers.

Anyone with a smartphone or tablet can login to _FREE_WF_WiFi by registering with their email address for two hours of uninterrupted WiFi. There is no limit to the amount of times customers can login for a two-hour slot.

The areas covered include High Street, Wood Street and Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow, High Road and Lea Bridge Road in Leyton and Station Road in Chingford.

The project is part of Waltham Forest Council’s digital strategy which aims to ensure elderly and vulnerable adults and those whom English is not their first language have the confidence to use technology.

Cllr Liaquat Ali, cabinet member for transformation and commercial services, said: “Our free WiFi has been a big hit in Walthamstow and I’m really proud to be introducing it in our other town centres and shopping areas.

“Alongside our great shops and bustling markets it’s another reason why people want to spend their time and money in wonderful Waltham Forest.”

The project is a partnership between the council and Arqiva, which has already rolled out free WiFi in 13 other London boroughs.