09/08/92

Press Release

Eden Camp:

9th August 1992

ROADWORKS BLOCK TOURISM

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that during the week commencing 3rd August 1992, the average journey time from York to Malton was an hour and half, compared to the usual half an hour.

The previous Saturday it took over three quarters of an hour to get from Thornton Dale to Pickering, a journey of some three miles. The week before the average journey to Scarborough was increased by an hour; York is currently crippled in every direction you turn.

WHY?

ROADWORKS!

Tourism, we are advised is a growth industry employing thousands of people in Yorkshire and creating millions of pounds in revenue.

Bodies such as the Regional Councils, Local Councils, Tourist boards, Attractions, Museums, Hotels, Caravan Sites, Guest Houses, spend millions to promote Yorkshire. Local business thrives on the revenue generated by tourism, local councils recover rates, from which the county council recieve monies, the V.A.T. man is also pleased! Local jobs are created etc., etc..

So, why are North Yorkshire County Council Highways not working with us too?! What gives them the right at peak season, when records show that there is a vehicle increase on our roads, to go along and close or put single lane traffic on the county's main arteries?

At our level of tourism we actually meet the public everyone is endeavouring to bring into the area, and I can assure you that from the comments received by me and my staff they are not pleased. Some, in fact, are displeased to the point of not returning to Yorkshire let alone telling their friends about the place!

We are supposed to be a team, all working together for the good of the county. Will somebody out there who NYCC Highways will listen to, or better still someone with the power to instruct them, please tell them that ultimately to work with tourism will help them, whereas eventually mean a loss of revenue for them, as businesses fail, ultimately leading to a loss of jobs in their own sector.

We realise it is too late for this season, the damage has already been done. Surely though for next year we can do something!

Please do not hesitate to contact the Museum if you require any further details.

admin@edencamp.co.uk