Residents to benefit from recycled phones project

Old and unused mobile phones are being put back into use to help people in Wolverhampton use the internet and access important services, the city council has said.

More than 300 devices have been donated to the City of Wolverhampton Council and will be distributed after being wiped and tested.

The council said people in the community who were most in need of digital support would be identified before phones were allocated.

Businesses and residents with unwanted laptops, tablets and desktop computers have also been encouraged to donate them to Wolves Tech Aid, an organisation led by the city council.

Councillor Jeszemma Howl, cabinet member for governance and digital at the council, said phones helped people access apps to find things like important health information.

She said: "Having access to a device can be life-changing for residents who might otherwise struggle to get online.

"I am pleased we are putting more old devices to use by recycling them in this way to help close the digital divide.

"If you have unused devices at home or at work that could help someone else, I encourage you to donate them through our Wolves Tech Aid initiative so they can be put to good use supporting others across the city."

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.