PEOPLE in Wellington could soon be learning about their town’s history while they wait for the arrival of a bus.

The town council plans to commission bus shelter vinyl wraps for 11 of its bus stops over the next three to five years, each telling a story about Wellington’s history and heritage.

Councillors gave the innovative scheme the go-ahead last week after hearing it could raise sponsorship to help pay for local services.

Council facilities manager Annette Kirk said businesses sponsoring the wraps would benefit from increased brand visibility in high-footfall areas and an association with community heritage and a positive town image.

Ms Kirk said in time the scheme could also include QR codes which people could scan to be taken to more detailed historical facts about area, and the experience could be made interactive and educational.

She said it could encourage people to explore the town’s heritage, increase footfall and interest in local businesses, and create a sense of pride and identity by sharing stories of Wellington’s past in a modern, accessible way.

Themes could include the alleged role of a Wellington man in bringing down the Monmouth Rebellion, the important part played by the town in the bread riots of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and the story of World War Two spy Odette Hallowes, who lived in nearby White Ball.

Ms Kirk said QR codes could link to narrated historical stories, providing an interactive and accessible experience for the public, allowing visitors to access extended content beyond the wrap design.

The extended content could include:

• Audio narration for immersive storytelling

• Video clips and historical photographs

• Detailed historical facts and anecdotes

• Multi-language options (to work with Wellington’s twinned towns in France, Germany, and Portugal) and accessibility features

Councillors delegated officers and a two-member working group to move the project forward.