VISITORS to Fareham will soon be able to find out what's on at the cinema and where to go for a bite to eat at the touch of a button when four new hi-tech information points are installed in the town.

With their snazzy neon lighting and state-of-the-art touch sensitive screens - they are a far cry from the old-style maps dotted around most town centres and provide shoppers, tourists and residents with a lot more information.

Soon people will be able to find out what's on at their leisure centre, what tourist attractions are available, what shops there are and also what council services are on offer.

Council leader Sean Woodward said they are a great new amenity for the town: "They are very much a state-of-the-art information point. They are designed to be very simple and easy to use. People will be able to see what the council can do for them, what's on at the local cinema and all those things that have been brought into the technological age. They are a window on our town and services."

The free-standing points, designed by firm, Creative Touch, have cost the council around £50,000 in total and are set to be introduced in the town in July.

They are the result of a joint business venture between Fareham Borough Council and Apollo Cinemas, which is currently putting the finishing touches to its brand new movie theatre at the Market Quay development.

Chairman of Apollo Cinemas, Paul Gregg, said: "This allows town centres to present information in a unique way which not only enhances the value of the entertainment but also promotes the council's ambition to encourage new initiatives within the borough."

Two information points will be put up at Fareham shopping centre, one at Fareham Leisure Centre and one at the front of the civic offices.

FACTFILE:

The user-friendly information points comprise an LCD touch screen fronted by a toughened sheer glass panel

An array of touch zones appear to float around the screen showing different information in images on the screen.

Further touch buttons allow the user to access other information.

The first information points will be situated:

The north entrance to Fareham Shopping Centre (by Ottakers)

The south entrance to Fareham Shopping Centre (by Cargo).

Outside the Civic Offices.

Fareham Leisure Centre.