The introduction of ‘town ambassadors’ for Tenby across the summer season to enhance visitor engagement and offer useful advice, has been discussed by local councillors.

The proposal from Tenby Town Council community engagement officer Anne Draper, went before the July meeting of members.

“I have recently been approached by two of my regular volunteers about a scheme which they participated in where they previously lived,” explained Ms Draper in her proposal which was put on the agenda.

“They suggested having a volunteer to hover in Tudor Square during the main part of the summer season who was able to answer questions, point out useful places, let people know of current events, where the toilets are etc.

“We have looked into getting something with a logo for them to wear so that they are obviously 'official’ rather than 'officious’.

“I would publicise the scheme around the shops and cafes in town,” she continued, stating that she felt such a scheme may be useful on weekends when the Town Council office was closed.

She had already had a meeting with a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team to see how it may work.

While councillors felt it was a good idea the question was asked with regards to volunteers being covered under insurance, and also safeguarding procedures.

Cllr Emma Lewis said that she had spent a long time working in a local charity shop and people had always asked lots of questions.

“This was basic stuff, like where the nearest toilet was,” she commented.

Cllr. Dr Tara Carmody felt that this scheme could be a good way to gauge what tourists want, and identify what is missing from the town.

There was a lot of potential to both satisfy a gap caused by the closure of the seaside town’s tourist information centre and an opportunity in terms of collating data and feedback, she stated.

However, she was concerned about what diligence the Town Council was undertaking in terms of safeguarding.

“Do we need to be drilling down on who the volunteers are and if they need training,” she asked.

“They may see something in the street that may be a safeguarding concern. We need to ensure they are aware of what to do.”

The Clerk said that the town council had a Safeguarding Policy which included guidelines from PCC as to what needed to be done in certain circumstances.

Cllr Lewis felt it was wise not make the role too onerous or the volunteers would not want to undertake it.

“We were looking at a small trial with a small number of volunteers. The level of public engagement would not meet threshold requirement for DBS checks and in relation to safeguarding awareness, this would be referrable straight to Pembrokeshire County Council as an Active Bystander Response,” she remarked.

“We would be providing volunteer information points where they would be answering basic questions only, not providing blue badge guides.”

It was proposed that a trial Town Ambassador scheme trial be progressed if appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.