A FIRST-in-Wales digital project has been launched, aiming to get more people enjoying the outdoors.

More than 80 temporary signs using web-based technology have been been installed throughout Abergele and Pensarn for the benefit of walkers.

The six-month Abergele Place Plan trial provides walking routes via users’ smartphones.

The idea came about after regeneration consultant Chris Jones came across a campaign called ‘Walk Your City’ – created by Matt Tomasolu in Raleigh, North Carolina – while online.

Mr Jones said of the Abergele venture: “It’s definitely the first of its kind in Wales and it may even be the first in the UK.

“With these signs, Abergele is joining a ‘Walk Your City’ global family, linking us with similar projects across the world.

“We wanted to create moving hubs in the town, where walkers will be encouraged to get off the beaten track and socialise with other like-minded walkers.

“There’s also something deep here. We’re hoping we’ve ‘trailblazed’ a way to increase the sense of community and hopefully raised the debate on the effectiveness of getting out and active in combatting issues like dementia and isolation.”

The six-month trial is aimed at encouraging people to shop, eat out and use Abergele’s services as well as direct visitors around the area’s attractions, including Pensarn beach, parks, the town centre and up into the hills above the town.

With the support of Conwy County Borough Council and overseen by Abergele Town Council, the signs are attached to existing lighting columns and posts, with a quick response (QR) code which can be scanned with smartphones to provide people with walking times and directions.

The signs pick up routes under the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Bill, which places a duty on local authorities to develop a safe network for walking and cycling.

Mr Jones added: “To create good, permanent way finding signage in the town would probably have cost between £50,000 and £70,000, but we’ve managed to create all of our temporary signs for less than £1,000. After the trial is up, who knows? Maybe residents will want us to continue the project.”

The launch saw 25 volunteers from the town council and Abergele Youth Action (Itaca) take to the streets to install the signs and trial routes.

Town councillor Delyth MacRae, chairman of the Abergele Place Plan, said of the scheme: “This is a low-cost way of raising awareness of what we have in Abergele and Pensarn, helping us to future proof longer term investments in signage.

“From Pensarn Beach area to Pentre Mawr to our town centre, we want local people to realise what they have on their doorstep and for visitors to get out and explore – thereby supporting our economy.”