BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL
30 JULY 2026
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6
PROPOSAL TO INSTALL DIGITAL STREET KIOSKS
The Town Council first considered the installation of Pulsehub kiosks in 2024. Pulsehub provides, installs and maintains digital street kiosks which function as free community hubs, providing, among other things, Wi-Fi, public emergency calls, local information and integrated public-access defibrillators at zero cost to the taxpayer.
Because the provider is licenced by Ofcom, they are able to install along the public highway.
June '24 – Intros to Bideford Town Clerk (Paul Swan)
July '24 – Torridge District Council introduction via Paul Swan to Town Centre Project Officer – very supportive of the project
July '24 – Follow up presentation to the Town Council
Aug / Sept '24 – Plot / potential location discussions with Town Clerk and Town Centre Project Officer
Nov '24 – Presentation to Torridge District Council planners – reported limited feedback and cooperation from Torridge District Council, as a result, the project paused in July '25
June '26 – Historic England feedback (attached) confirming suitable locations from a heritage perspective – Pulsehub and consultant team consider this support's reestablishing the project and taking forward planning
July '26 – Reengagement with the Town Council
Each hub is fully funded by Pulsehub and provided at no cost to the public or local authorities on the basis of exclusive funding by revenue generated from advertising. This includes the defibrillators and all medical equipment. It also includes the ongoing repair and maintenance, including responses to vandalism, as well as electricity and internet costs. In broad terms, the hubs offer:
Free public calls, Wi-Fi and mobile phone charging
Digital maps and wayfinding
Local Information and community noticeboard
999 emergency call access
A public access defibrillator
Bleed control kit
Nasal Naloxone
Support through Vulnerable Person Emergency Protocol (VPEP)
5% of digital screen space reserved for community and public messaging
Whilst previously six locations were discussed and agreed with the Town Council, based on the revised position, Pulsehub are now proposing submitting just two planning applications for two locations: