Appeal lodged over 'obstructive' digital board ban

An appeal has been lodged over a decision to block a digital hub board and defibrillator from being installed outside Wolverhampton railway station.

The "digital hub" board - designed to offer free services to the public - was rejected by the city council for being "bulky and obstructive" and a "danger to pedestrians".

The refurbished station opened in 2021 and planners said the board would cause "unacceptable visual clutter, unacceptably detracting from the character and appearance of the gateway into and out of the railway station".

But In Focus Networks and JCDecaux said its hub "supports the aim of using smart technology to de-clutter our streets and reduce unnecessary furniture".

"The hub unit is designed to be a freely accessible service that includes wifi, phone calls, way-finding, device charging, emergency service call button, defibrillator and other functions combined into a single piece of furniture", the statement said.

"As with any 'free to use' public service provision, there is the potential for misuse and the company has attempted to ensure that through design and managed use that the hub unit assists in reducing crime, the fear of crime and the potential for anti-social behaviour."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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