A NEW project inviting people to have conversations with street objects such as lamp posts, park benches and bus stops has been launched in Porthmadog.

The Helo Port project from Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig (AGW) just needs a mobile phone for the objects to ‘talk’. This will give people the opportunity to give feedback, and also help sustainable tourism by giving out information on local businesses. The technology encourages people to interact with their environment to create positive social change and a more inclusive community, enhance local democracy and help build the towns of the future in a bilingual way.

orthmadog Town Council chair, Llywelyn Rhys, said: “The project is innovative in its use of smart technology to gather the views and attitudes of residents and visitors to Porthmadog. I urge local people in particular to give it a go so that their feedback influences the town council’s decisions as we strive to improve the community and the wellbeing of individuals. Everyone’s opinions and ideas are important as we move forward into a new post-pandemic time.”

To date there have been almost 500 conversations with objects, and some very interesting information has been gathered.

When asked for one word to describe the street, 90.5 per cent of people used a positive word, with only 4.8 per cent using a negative word and 4.8 per cent using a neutral word. In addition, when asked about the attractiveness of the local area, 92.9 per cent responded with a positive comment, while only 7.1 per cent responded with a negative comment.

When asked if it was noisy that day, 50 per cent answered that it was a bit noisy, 44.4 per cent said it was silent and 5.6 per cent said it was only because of traffic.

There were also some interesting comments when asked about a street light, with one person saying they “would reduce some of the streetlight late at night to save energy and also to improve the dark sky experience”.

“I’d also considering the potential for some lamp posts to provide EV charging points,” they added.

To use the software you just need a simple mobile phone to text the number on the sign. As well as being easy to use, it is also safe. No personal information is held, and all responses are anonymous.

Rhian Hughes, AGW senior project officer said: “The scheme will run for 12 months, with Porthmadog selected as the most suitable town as a starting point. Not only because there is a good mix of locals and seasonal visitors but also Menter Môn has installed high street Wi-Fi technology as well as the Patrwm software, so these projects can be woven into Helo Port technology also.

“We are also delighted that this project can add value to Gwynedd Council’s Intergenerational project. We’ll be donating three Friendship Benches in Porthmadog, and these colourful benches will be some of the objects that people in town will be chatting to!”

The pilot will run until August and AGWg hope to gather even more interesting information over the coming months to help organisations like the town council to understand what local people want.

This project has received funding from the Welsh Government, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Gwynedd Council.