Tourists keep out, says Tory chief

TOURISTS are not wanted in Fareham, claims the leader of the council.

Councillor Sean Woodward said: ‘Tourism has never been a priority in Fareham and never will be.’ The Portsmouth News reported.
‘We are not a place like Bournemouth, or even Portsmouth, which actively sell themselves as a tourist destination.
‘Fareham is a shopping destination and the residents like it that way.’

His comments ignored the verdict of the council’s leisure panel, on which his won Conservative party has a majority.

 It had earlier voted to back keeping the tourist office at Westbury Manor Museum, rather than close it or transfer its services to Gosport.
And Fareham Shopping Centre manager Pam Gillard also rejected his insular view. She said: ‘We welcome all shoppers, whether residents or tourists, for the benefit of retail in our local economy.'
Lib Dems agree with her. Getting rid of the tourist office would be a false economy which could hit trade just as the new centre is trying to establish itself.