Chesham is the first place in the UK to step into a Big Red Box

Aug 13 2012 by Camilla Goodman, Buckinghamshire Examiner

internet shopping

BUCKS internet users were quizzed by a web provider which has selected a Chiltern town as a pilot for free wi fi internet.

Virgin Media invited people who live and work in the town to give their views to help shape the services of the future at an event in Market Square, Amersham, on Saturday, July 28.

The company set up a video photo booth in town where people could talk about their feelings about the digital world, complete with an animated Richard Branson inspired robot, Roger, who quizzed visitors.

Questions covered everything from the prospect of life without the internet, the etiquette of being friends with your kids on Facebook to topical issues such as cyber bullying, trolling and access to adult content.

A hot topic on the day was music and video sharing, with young people in particular discussing views on piracy and the availability of content.

The nationwide research project will be seeking opinions from across the UK, but as part of the company's dedication to making Chesham one of the best connected towns in the country people in the town were given the opportunity to have their say first.

Executive director at Virgin Media Paul Richmond said: “We’re glad residents of Chesham were the first to be able to join us for this important research and we’re pleased with the fantastic response.”