Agenda item

A report on tourism in the Melton Borough area is to be presented to the Committee.

Members were given a joint presentation by the Director for Growth and Regeneration and the Senior Tourism and Events Officer which gave an overview of the Council’s Tourism Service and what actions they are taking to increase tourism to the Borough.

The Chairman thanked them for their comprehensive report and asked Members for any questions or feedback.

Members said that they had been talking to tourists visiting the town on several occasions and they had been asked what is there to see or do in the area as they had not been able to find any information as there is no tourist office in the town.

Members also said that although the events at the Stockyard are well attended it does not attract them into the town centre as the location is outside of the town centre. It was explained to Members that resources have been spent to make the town centre more attractive and new signs and maps have been installed, there are maps in the Market Place, top of Nottingham Street and in three car parks. There are stands with leaflets displayed showing local attractions and the heritage trail, they are outside the church and Dickenson & Morris. Information is also available from the council offices, the library, and the Museum. There is information available online under Discover Melton, where there is a borough wide attractions map to promote business throughout the Borough.

Members said all the empty shops do not make the town look attractive and something needs to be done about it. Also, there is a shortage of accommodation in the Borough which discourages visitors. It was mentioned that Eye Kettleby Lakes gets excellent reviews so should be promoted more as a leisure stay.

Members were advised that the town centre has had investment to make improvements, also Melton in Bloom has been encouraged to help make it more attractive, work is in progress with The Bell Centre project and BID are working to encourage more short-term businesses into the town centre with pop up and temporary shops. Work is being done with the town estate about revamping the Market.

The lack of accommodation was acknowledged as an issue, it is difficult to solve as unless hotel operators are willing to come into the area, the Council cannot do anything about it. Other options are being looked at with council owned buildings. A Member commented that Parkside would be an ideal hotel.

A Member said that the map on the website showing attractions in the Borough was out of date and did not reflect the number of places to eat, as only a few were shown. There needs to be an up-to-date comprehensive map. Members were advised that any place can be added with written permission from the business. It was pointed out that members had been asked when the site was developed to advise of any business that potentially could be included. A member mentioned that Churches are not included but was advised that they are all included on the map.

Members made some suggestions such as Heritage walking tours, to promote the history of the town. It was also suggested that a caravan to promote attractions in Melton and the area could be present on market days. Another suggestion was to include tourist information with the council tax bills when they are sent out as would not cost anything to post. A member also mentioned that the MP has applied for Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but this is not mentioned in the report, and it should be promoted. Another suggestion was to have a presence at the Christmas Tree Festival and give out the leaflets to encourage people to return to the town to visit other attractions.

A member asked if the money received from UKSPF could be spent on the town centre and not the Stockyard and it was confirmed it would be spent on the town centre.

A member asked about the KPIs and if they were monitored as to the impact the campaign had done. Members were advised that figures were in the presentation pack and are monitored regularly.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their comments and said they would be presented to the Cabinet.

(Cllr J Wilkinson left the meeting 8:35pm and did not return.)