Disability group hails virtual Roman tour

7:28pm Monday 18th April 2005

A LOCAL disability group is the first group to trial a tour of the Roman town of Verulamium on their mobile phones.

The St Albans and District Access Group has been touring the ruins by accessing information, graphics and video clips on the Internet via their mobile phones.

Disability resource officer at St Albans District Council, Nicola Devereux, said the group was very pleased as it has given them access to the museum at times when it is shut.

She said: "The initial feeling is very positive and we are happy to help in the development to ensure the trial is as sucessful as possible."

The tour was developed by Redbourn-based technology company Trivas Ltd specifically to help disabled users and in response to people wishing to see' the Roman town which lies under Verulamium Park.

Public services manager for St Albans Museums, Alison Coles, said: "This technology provides an innovative way to enhance and bring to life much of the historical information and artefacts within our collections allowing us to reach new audiences, for leisure or educational purposes."

The trial, which started in late March, will continue throughout April and is expected to be launched in May.

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