The community web site for
Glossop
in the High Peak
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The community web site for
Glossop
in the High Peak
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High Peak borough council has
responded to concerns that it should provide more investment into
Glossop tourism. The comments came after it was announced that Glossop Heritage Centre intended to vacate their Bank House, Henry Street premises, and gave notice to the borough council confirming that they could no longer guarantee to deliver the Tourist Information Centre services.  Tony Kemp, the borough council's Executive Councillor for Regeneration, moved swiftly
to answer those concerns saying:"One of the main points has been the claim that the council appear to invest considerably more in Buxton tourism and not enough in Glossop. "I am aware of a suggestion that as a local authority we should spend equally on tourism services in Glossop and Buxton. This argument does not stack up, however, as it would not give good value for money to the council taxpayer in either town, nor in the other High Peak communities. Each area is different and has it's own priority needs; as a council, we have to try and reflect these differing needs in the way we allocate resources. "Buxton attracts huge numbers of visitors each year, both on day trips and overnight stays. Because of this we have to provide a large visitor centre in order to cope with this demand for information and support. This service generates a large income in booking fees to offset the cost, but the increase in internet booking means this income is falling off. As a result, the net cost to the council of running Buxton TIC was £72,237 last year. "When I took on my portfolio two years ago, a priority task was to reduce the costs of providing the Buxton service, together with driving forward other efficiencies in the Pavilion Gardens. The work carried out so far and that is planned, has been achieved with minimal High Peak money, mainly being funded by external development monies that we have won because of the compelling business case to reduce costs to High Peak residents.  "In June 2008, the TIC
moved to the Pavilion Gardens complex, removing the previous property
costs without increasing those of the Gardens buildings. In March 2009,
we opened the refurbished TIC, merged with the old Gardens retail
operation and accommodating the Pump Room Artists, from whom we derive
substantial commission."The performance of the new operations has exceeded even the demanding target I set the new manager, and by the end of the first quarter (April to June 2009) the net cost of the TIC operation at Buxton is only £2173. Our aim is to reduce this to a zero cost, or even to generate a net profit. "People will recognise that this is a far cry from the supposed £120,000 cost per year that has been suggested in certain quarters! I believe they will also understand that the council has taken responsible and necessary steps to address the concerns of council taxpayers that their money should be spent wisely." Moving on to point up another issue, Councillor Kemp commented: "What should also be recognised is that the Pavilion Gardens car park alone generated £113,823 of council income helping to keep council tax down for residents in Glossop and the rest of High Peak. The higher level of parking charges in Buxton car parks is a significant issue for Buxton residents." He went on to say: "However, I am acutely aware of the need to attract more visitors to the Glossopdale area and recently announced a review of visitor services. Over the next few months I intend to consult widely with interested parties in order to gain valuable feedback to help the council develop a vision for the Glossop community. "Not only that, but the door is not closed on the Heritage Centre – I have made it clear that if they come up with a robust business plan to operate in new premises I will consider those proposals on their merit." High Peak announces review of Glossop visitor services Councillor Ivan Bell: "a kick in the teeth for Glossop" |
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