NEW digital screens will be springing up around Newton Abbot town centre despite one objector claiming that they are part of a massive ‘medical experiment’.

Eight ‘smart hubs’ will be installed, carrying advertising messages and information.

They will also have WiFi connections, phone links to the emergency services and a locked compartment housing defibrillators and medicines to help deal with drug overdoses.

Cllr Alex Hall (Con, Buckland and Milber) told fellow members of the Teignbridge Council planning committee that having the screens in the town centre is ‘an exciting opportunity’.

‘They represent a forward-thinking solution,’ he said. ‘They will make our town safer, more accessible and better connected for everyone.’

Ollie Smith, of Pulse, the company installing the screens, said they would bring real benefits and improve public safety.

However, the committee also heard a letter from a member of the public who was concerned about the screens.

She warned of the dangers of wireless radiation and said they could be used for surveillance.

She believes they are ‘part of the largest medical experiment in human history’.

The committee voted unanimously to go ahead with the screens.

The free-standing structures feature a fully accessible interactive tablet along with larger digital display screens on two sides.

Benefits of the hubs, which are already in use in Belfast, range from wireless mobile phone charging to local information and maps.

Newton Abbot Town Council teamed up with the Urban Innovation Company to introduce the Pulse Smart Hubs, thought to be the first in the south west.

The hubs are self-funding through advertising so there would be no cost to the council and taxpayers.

The hubs are expected to be located at sites including Queen Street, Courtenay Street, East Street, Market Street, The Avenue, Wolborough Street and Cricketfield Road.