Using QR codes to help tourists and shoppers is a key part of Deal’s bid to become a Portas Pilot town.

QR codes (standing for quick response) are developed from the barcodes used at supermarket checkouts, but carry a lot more information. They can be scanned with a smartphone when a free QR reader app has been downloaded, immediately linking to a web page or telephone number. Popular in Japan and the USA, they are starting to be used in the UK.

The Town Team formed to make Deal’s bid for a £100,000 share of the £1 million town centre regeneration cash – spearheaded by Mary Portas, TV’s "Queen of Shops" – is looking at putting QR codes around the town so visitors and residents can get more information about tourist attractions and shops

Detailed plans are being drawn up for the Portas bid, which must be submitted by June 30. Other elements of it are likely to be developing the Saturday market as a showcase for young entrepreneurs; closing the High Street to traffic; and improvements for walking and cycling routes into town and starting a town centre cycle to work scheme.

See this week's East Kent Mercury for more details.