Google Street View goes live in Cumbria
Last updated at 11:23, Saturday, 13 March 2010
Internet users can visit almost any street in Cumbria without leaving their desks, thanks to a controversial new web service.
Google Street View went live in the county on Thursday, with pictures of nearly every house, shop and landmark shown in 360 degree detail.
Passersby and car number plates are blurred to protect privacy – but for some, that isn’t enough.
When a Street View camera car arrived in the village of Broughton, near Milton Keynes, last year, it was met by a roadblock of angry residents. But on the streets of Carlisle, reaction has been largely positive.
TEST STREET VIEW HERE:
Peter Docherty, 60, of Cresswell Avenue, Harraby, said: “I think it’s a good idea. I don’t think it’s invasive at all, unless you’ve really got something to hide.
“People might use it to look at new houses, or at places where they used to live to see if anything’s changed.”
Google first launched the service for 25 UK cities in March 2009, aiming largely to help tourists and house-hunters. By increasing Britain’s coverage, the web giant is bringing us in line with countries like Spain, France and the US.
Cristie Millican, 23, of Old Harraby, Carlisle, said: “It’s interesting. I’d say it’s helpful, more than invasive – it’s not like it shows the inside of your house or anything.”
Fiona McDiarmid, 37, of Currock, Carlisle, had already used the site to help her find her way around in Liverpool.
She said: “I think it’s quite clever, actually. We went down to Liverpool a few weeks ago and we found it really useful in terms of getting around.
“When it came to finding the right turning for our hotel, I could recognise it from the photo.”
Ellis Butcher, of Cumbria Tourism, said the service would give people from outside the county the chance to see what we have to offer.
He said: “I think anything that puts people on the ground, seeing some of the fantastic sights we have to offer, can only be good for our reputation. Many people may have heard of Carlisle but never actually been here – it could help them realise how wonderful it is.”
First published at 09:03, Saturday, 13 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
My cat is the real star of google street view.
There he is sitting in the window glaring at the camera. He truly is an intimidating beast.View all 10 comments on this article
Have your say
Well it's better than Blackpool's Golden mile but although can't beat being there apart from interesting for a trip to Hollywood! I found it interesting in being able to return to past, research historical elements and observe changes in localities once lived/stayed at home or abroad (maybe future ...) in this now even smaller world. The nosey camera obviously cannot get up the narrow lane of my son's home near Wembley but walking along streets of Carlisle the element of visual windows become's more noticeable aware esp with recession and many seemingly with tatty or no curtains.
Posted by Roy Loton on 20 March 2010 at 11:58