Landowner in appeal for Shropshire tourism boost
A Shropshire landowner has called for the setting-up of a separate tourism ministry, tighter legislation on solar farms and wind turbines, and VAT relief for repairs to listed buildings as part of a drive to boost visitor attractions.
William Cash, who is Ukip's spokesman for heritage and tourism, said Shropshire's tourism was the envy of the world, and was responsible for nine per cent of the county's economy.
But he accused the traditional political parties of taking tourism for granted, regarding historic buildings and countryside as a barrier to progress.
Mr Cash, who lives at Upton Cressett Hall, near Bridgnorth, was appointed Ukip's national heritage and tourism spokesman in October last year. His father, eurosceptic Tory MP Sir Bill Cash, has distanced himself from his son's politics.
He said: "There is so much more to UK tourism and the government should be supporting the long-term economic interests of historic cities like Shrewsbury, market towns like Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Much Wenlock. Their heritage and tourism interests that are so critical for regional jobs and growth."
Mr Cash called for a new ministry of heritage and tourism, which would be separate from the sports and equalities brief.
He said: "Coalition ministers and Whitehall have largely taken tourism for granted and regard our historic towns and villages, green countryside and unique heritage assets as a stumbling block to the progression of infrastructure projects, such as HS2, and target areas for housing and building growth.
"Shropshire is especially rich in heritage with around nine per cent of the county's economy coming from tourism. My own favourites in the county include such popular attractions as Ludlow Castle to smaller county jewels like the Severn Valley Railway, the ruins of Wenlock and Buildwas Abbey."
He said Boscobel House, where King Charles II hid in an oak tree, and the Dower House gardens of Morville Hall were other favourites.
Mr Cash said only last month he saw the 18th century waterwheel at Daniels Mill, near Bridgnorth, for the first time. "I had driven past the signs for decades but had no idea the watermill is still in the ownership of the same family that built it over 250 years ago," he said.
Mr Cash called for a new five per cent VAT rate for repairs and maintenance on listed buildings, and tighter planning controls.
He also called for rural conservation areas to protect the countryside, an end to subsidies for wind and solar farms, greater support for seaside towns, and less regulation of the hospitality industries.
