Plans to make Monmouth the first 'WiFi town' in Wales are underway.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) officers are aiming to give anyone who visits, works or lives in Monmouth town access to a free WiFi internet connection whenever they want to use it.

Cath John, assistant chief executive of the council's community interest company CMC2, said: "We have just released a tender to obtain quotes to make Monmouth town completely WiFi enabled.

"We don't have the costs yet but we are talking to the Welsh Government about the possibility of attracting some funding.

"Our aim is that everyone in the town will have unlimited free web access. We aim to have this ready for this April when Monmouthpedia will be launched as the world's first Wikipedia town.

"Monmouthpedia covers all aspects of life in the town and allows people to use their smartphones and computers to scan barcodes (known as QR codes) to access information online.

"The Monmouthpedia project belongs to everyone and involves people from all over the town contributing their time and knowledge. Enabling free WiFi will help people to get involved more easily.

"The project gives visitors and locals an unparalleled experience of the place. Joining in will be much easier and cheaper with free WiFi."

Local man John Cummings has been appointed the Shire Hall's 'Wikipedian in residence' and is working with Roger Bamkin, of Wikimedia UK, other council officers, community groups and people all over the world to bring the innovative idea to Monmouth.

Information on getting involved in Monmouthpedia can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monmouthpedia">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monmouthpedia