A TECH-savvy town councillor claims there is a "golden opportunity" to promote Droitwich's heritage using QR codes on new street signage at Yew Tree Hill.

Councillor Bob Brookes, who represents the East Ward on Droitwich Town Council, said the barcode-like symbol could be placed on signs so residents with smart phones can scan them and be directed to informative websites.

Town Councillors are currently compiling a list of 20 new street names, many reflecting Droitwich's history, for the controversial new developments at Yew Tree Hill.

Speaking at a meeting of the council's Planning Committee on Monday night, Cllr Brookes said: "I would like to suggest if we choose names that would reflect the town and heritage, we have the opportunity to bring in QR codes.

"All these people with smart phones all have the ability to point the smart phone at that and the smart phone is then connected to the website. The codes cost nothing to generate.

"What I would like to suggest if you were then to put these codes on the road signs and if the road signs had some connection to the town then anyone using their smart phones could be directed to the Visit Droitwich Spa website.

"It also means that if people are directed there they will pick up the Visit Droitwich Spa and see other activities in the town. Newcomers hopefully can be encouraged to become a part of the town.

"I think it is a golden opportunity and it would be very simple to have these codes added."

However council clerk Pam Craney said: "I don't think Highways will agree to this. I think it is one step too far at the moment. I don't think Highways will go for it because there aren't any others in the district.

"I have asked the question but I don't think we should make a decision tonight."

However Mrs Craney urged councillors to make a decision over the new names which will be given to streets within the Persimmon Homes and Redrow Homes' developments.

She said: "People are buying these properties and they want naming. They are being marketed and people want to have a name address, it is required for a lot of financial information and also we do need to have it for the emergency services. So the sooner we can decide on the names, the better."

A sub committee of four councillors was set up to discuss the options and will present a final list to the Full Council meeting on Monday, December 14 for a decision to be made.

So far developers have compiled a list of potential suggestions, including Impney Avenue, inspired by the town's famous Chateau, Longwave Park, reflecting the town's history of radio broadcasting, and Saline Close, from the Roman word for Droitwich.

However Wychavon District Council, which has responsibility for naming new streets, has delegated the task to Droitwich Town Council.