Axing agency 'would harm tourism'

Government plans to axe regional development agency Advantage West Midlands would have a detrimental effect on tourism in Shropshire and the rest of the region, it has been claimed.

A trade association, which represents bus, coach and rail operators, has hit out at the proposal, which they say would effect tourism venues the agency supports including Blist's Hill, in Ironbridge, and the Cold War Museum in Cosford.

The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK claims the proposal to get rid of Advantage West Midlands will harm the tourism industry.

Phil Bateman, regional manager for CPT West Midlands, said today: "Tourism is a very important sector here in the region.

"It is fundamental that support is given to the UK tourism industry especially in the dire economic situation that now exists worldwide.

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"Any loss of local resources, financial or otherwise, as it appears will happen if Advantage West Midlands bites the dust will impact heavily on tourism agencies and the active local partnerships that have been set up by the tourism sector and local government to assist in drawing visitors to this region.

"The news that the Government is to axe Advantage West Midlands throws into confusion the funding that is presently supporting tourism and leisure activity in the region."

Mr Bateman said tourism was the fourth largest contributor to the economy of the West Midlands and each year more than 140 million visits were made to the region, generating more than £5 billion and supporting more than 130,000 jobs.

Advantage West Midlands has provided assistance to more than 2,000 tourism businesses through the Regional Centre for Tourism Business Support.

Mr Bateman said: "Coach operations are the life blood of local tourism and we at CPT are determined that our already fragile industry is not left to suffer and decline.

"My appeal today is for our local and Government representatives in the region to start thinking now as to how they will support tourism and leisure activities. If these current resources that are provided by Advantage West Midlands are lost to the region, what support can we look to on a regional basis to replace them?"

By Emma Kasprzak