Street cleaners brush up on history

Council workers in Bath are being taught the history of the streets they clean so they can double up as roving tourist guides.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has launched new training sessions for its street cleaning staff.

The new ambassadorial training scheme will help its neighbourhood teams answer questions about the location of attractions and historic landmarks.

The idea is that staff will be able to provide basic information about local history and tell visitors where they can find out more.

Roland Russell, the council's Bath city centre neighbourhood team manager, was one of the first staff to get the training.

He said: "We see thousands of people every day and many of those see the B&NES Council badge and want help with directions or maybe even some information about a local landmark.

"This new training will put us in a strong position to provide helpful information in a confident manner.

"Our first priority will always be fighting the war against grime, but this training will help us play a wider part in making the area a better place to live, work, and visit."

The training see involve the teams learning about Bath's history with help from the Mayor's Guides, and understanding the importance of tourism with input from marketing body Bath Tourism Plus.

Councillor Charles Gerrish (Con, Keynsham North), the authority's cabinet member for customer services, said: "I'm really keen to see all our front line staff feeling confident in being ambassadors for our area and having the skills and knowledge to become sources of information.

"If successful, the council will look to extend this training to other teams, like civil enforcement officers and parks staff, and other geographical areas."

City centre manager Andrew Cooper has also welcomed the initiative.

He said: "Retailers are really keen on creating a shopping environment where customers can find out information about their surroundings quickly and conveniently.

"We want people to feel welcome and come back next time they are selecting a location for their shopping."

Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib Dem, Combe Down) said the scheme should be extended to others working in the city, including taxi drivers.

He said: "This is a very good idea, but it should not be just facts and directions.

"It should be about being a real ambassador and promoting the city and its attractions.

"I was in Newcastle recently and the taxi driver who drove me from the railway station to the civic centre was full of praise of his city and willingly gave information about it.

"What a great way to welcome a visitor to his city."