How to attract visitors to town

COUNCIL chiefs are investigating ways of attracting more visitors to the Warrington area – and improving the information available to them.
This could involve greater use of Contact Warrington – the information centre in Horsemarket Street – but will not involve anything to damage the highly acclaimed bus interchange.
This assurance has been given by council leader Ian Marks, in response to questions asked by Coun John Kerr-Brown.
Coun Kerr-Brown sought assurances on the future of the travel and visitor centre at the bus interchange and asked for full consultation with councillors, the public, service users and staff.
He said: “It would be diabolical to remove this service from the exchange. I sincerely hope the long term aims to improve public transport and information systems for the people of Warrington are not sacrificed for short term financial considerations.”
Coun Marks said the council was very proud of the bus interchange and the way Warrington Borough Transport had successfully increased the usage of public transport.
“We have no intention whatsoever of doing anything that will affect these achievements. However we have to continually look at ways of improving our services to customers – nothing can standstill.
“We need to recognise that the key is what the customer or visitor actually wants. This is the driving force for any change.”
Coun Marks said it was important to get through to people who don’t yet visit Warrington
How many visitors actually arrived by bus – and how many booked hotels or bed and breakfast accommodation in person rather than on the internet?
Coun Marks said there was a difference between visitor information and traveller information.
“Visitor information should be in a place where most visitors go. You have to ask whether this is the bus station?”
He said Contact Warrington was “just down the road” from the bus interchange and did not exist when the interchange opened. The council was looking at ways of making greater use of Contact Warrington for providing information on tourism and the attractions of the area
“We are talking to our partners – Warrington Borough Transport, Visit Chester and Cheshire – the Cheshire and Warrington Tourism Board – and the operators of the nearby Warrington Central rail station about the best way forward.
“We are talking to staff and the trade unions about options for the future and no decisions have yet been made.”
Coun Marks said contrary to what Coun Kerr-Brown’s question suggested, the driving force was not short-term financial efficiencies but what was best for the public and visitors.
He added: “It is absolutely right for the council to explore continuously alternative and better ways of delivering services. We will keep members informed about any proposed changes.”