Information totem installed in Wellingborough months ago could finally start working from next week

An information totem designed to display important messages for members of the public could finally start working next week.

Technical issues have been blamed for the delay with the totem installed in Wellingborough town centre several months ago.

It has led to frustration for some, especially as the problems have meant it has not displayed any messages in relation to staying safe during the pandemic so far.

Samuel Shoesmith has contacted Northants County Council several times in a bid to get the information totem working.

He told the Northants Telegraph: "Right across the county, these totems have been turned on months ago and displaying potentially life-saving information.

"There could have been reminders to passers-by to social distance or even regularly wash hands and this could have helped stop the spread of Covid-19.

"It was installed all the way back in April.

"Here in Wellingborough it still stands completely blank."

Mr Shoesmith was informed in recent correspondence from the county council that the totems are an important method of displaying Covid-related messages.

He has also been told the totems are all live now except for Wellingborough and will be displaying a range of messages relating to transport for which they were originally intended and also Covid-19.

The Northants Telegraph asked the county council for a comment and Cllr Jason Smithers, the authority's cabinet member for Highways and Place, said: “I can understand the frustrations of local residents with regard to the delay.

“Power was installed to the feeder pillar for the Wellingborough totem some weeks ago but E-on then had to fit a supply meter before the totem could be powered up.

"E-on were only able to action orders on an emergency and priority basis for some time after lockdown was implemented, and some areas were able to be fulfilled quicker than others as they worked to clear their backlog.

“We have liaised with our contractors and they have reassured us that the issues have now been dealt with.

"We anticipate the totem should be fully live by the week beginning 26 October in line with normal E-on working practices.”

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