A PUSH is to be made for free WiFi to be extended into all Border towns.

But it is hoped that the initiative will outperform a now disconnected pilot scheme in Jedburgh.

Selkirk Community Council was told this week that free internet access for business and tourism visitors is essential.

Chairman Alastair Pattullo said: "One of the issues of living in rural areas is the lack of WiFi. It is also an issue for people coming to the area.

"Other towns have tried free WiFi and I would like for us to have it as well.

"It would be a great boost for Selkirk."

Jedburgh was switched onto free WiFi in 2008 as a pilot project along with Hawick.

Although initially both surfing schemes were successful, they have run into technical problems in recent years.

And Jedburgh has been without its free WiFi for almost all of 2015.

Jedburgh & District councillor Rory Stewart is pushing for the internet to be reconnected in his hometown as well as being rolled out across the rest of Borders.

Councillor Stewart said: "There have been technical difficulties with the WiFi in Jedburgh as the equipment is past its sell-by date.

"The Free WiFi signs are due to come down as we can no longer of the service.

"I have brought forward a paper to next year's capital programme for free WiFi to be introduced across the Borders but we will have to wait and see if there is enough money for it to go ahead."

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, who is a member of the ruling Executive at Newtown St Boswells, admits that internet access is a bonus to local towns.

He said: "When WiFi was introduced to Jedburgh the town's main car park was full of businessmen in the cars with their laptops out.

"There have been problems more recently but it something worth considering."