PLANS for a chain of BT ‘Street Hubs’ across St Helens town centre which would include 75-inch advertising screens, and offer wi-fi and free telephone calls have been submitted.

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

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

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 and outside the former St Helens Star office on Claughton 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”.

The applications are on standard consultation to the public.