SURF the net right by the seaside as a new internet kiosk goes on line in Blackpool town centre.

The hi-tech kiosk on the corner of Corporation Street and West Street heralds a new era in the availability of internet access.

Access to the available sites will be free-of-charge and open to everyone.

Deputy council leader Eddie Collett said: "The council has been thinking BIG for sometime by plugging into the Broadband Interactive Grid, allowing schools and libraries to access information quickly.

"We are now delighted to be able to bring that technology to the streets of Blackpool with the arrival of three town centre i-kiosks.

"By giving Blackpool on-street access to the internet and council services we are moving forward with our commitment to be the most open and transparent council in the UK."

Like all ground-breaking technology the system will be bedding in over the next few weeks and the council will be working with Cityspace, who are installing the infrastructure.

By mid July Coun Collett hopes to go live with the first phase and the council are committed to developing the service and expanding interactive facilities over the next few months.

The arrival of the futuristic kiosk has aroused both suspicion and interest from residents and visitors.

One busy shopper commented: "Well I'm not sure what on earth it is, but it looks very high-tech. I'm sure it will be a good thing when it is up and running but I don't think I will use it personally."

Included in the first phase will be information about transport and weather, particularly useful to visitors who will also benefit from a free e-mail service and ITN news channel.

Those who live in the resort will also be interested in accessing information about childcare and all council services, including contact details for councillors.

Forthcoming phases will include allowing access to the jobs channel, streetscene, Crimestoppers, Blackpool Transport timetables, Railtrack timetables and tourist information.

By the time the pilot is complete council bosses are confident that payment of council tax, business rates, parking fines and TV licences will also be able to be made via these on street terminals.

The other two initial town centre terminals will be located on Church Street and the corner of Bank Hey Street. There are plans for 20 i-kiosks to be spread across Blackpool.