New Alresford Town Council

Draft Minutes of the Tourism Committee Meeting

Wednesday 5th October 2011

at 6:30pm in the Station Buffet

 

1011

 

Present: Cllrs. Griffiths, Gentry, Power, Tim Beere (Watercress Line),

Minutes Clerk: Mrs S Bettridge

 

 

 

 

 

Press/Public:  None

 

 

 

158

Apologies: Cllrs. Read, Cattle, Evans, Ellen Simpson (Winchester Tourism)

 

 

 

159

Declarations of interest: None

 

 

 

160

 

Minutes of the meeting 8th June 2011

Proposed: Cllr.Griffiths              Seconded: Cllr. Power  (AGREED)

 

 

 

161

Public Questions None

 

 

 

162

Finance

 

 

Discussed current figures. The remaining budget in Hanging Baskets should easily cover the winter service/repairs to the bowser. No more expenditure expected for telephone or VIP as equipment has now been removed.  Awaiting confirmation from WCC regarding the future of the equipment. 

 

 

 

163

Projects

 

163.1

Watercress Festival

RG informed the meeting that the Festival committee is happy with the £1k funding from NATC as they are now financially stable.

TB advised that the Watercress Line is currently in discussion with the Festival Committee regarding Park & Ride issues.

 

 

 

163.2

Hanging Baskets/Bowser

RG ~ basket watering is to stop at the beginning of next week with the baskets being removed the following week.  Basket provider has advised that it was possible to have red/white/blue colour scheme next year but warned that the display would not be so spectacular or last as long.

Three suggestions were put forward

            1)           Up the Pole Planters ~ red/white blue

2)                      ½ baskets r/w/b and ½ baskets normal

3)                      Keep baskets the same

It was proposed to extend the Up the Pole scheme into Pound Hill, East Street & The Dean.  MP expressed concerns over the impact on Up the Pole fixings with the street lighting in the Town Centre possibly being replaced.  RG advised that these fixings are easily moved from post to post.

The Committee agreed to leave the flower scheme the same as this year.

 

 

 

163.3

Millennium/Alre Valley Trail

RG reported that following a meeting with the agent of the river/landowner ~ Owner very happy to work with us to keep the Trail maintained, a dog entry point has been created with another one due and more suitable planting planned.  Currently in deadlock with the Environment Agency over other plans for the river.   

RG expressed concerns over the current augmentation system as the increase in water level has resulted in the paths flooding.  Working on trying to get more water through the Eel House to alleviate the flooding and the problem immediately next to the Eel house will be rectified when the sluices are installed.

To reproduce all the Millennium/Alre Valley Trail Posters, replace acrylic sheets and backing sheets will cost approximately £800 for the complete set.  Pixelation on artwork to be checked before finalisation. Funding is due to come from WCC Tourism for this project.  Clerk to get confirmation from Ellen that funding is £800 for 2011/12.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RG

 

 

 

 

Clerk

163.4

Town Boundary Sign

Confirmation received from Insurance Company giving the go ahead for works to commence.  Contractor not responding to paperwork sent – Clerk to visit Contractor.

 

 

 

 

Clerk

 

164

Literature

 

164.1

Millennium/Alre Valley Trail Leaflets

Stock currently at 9,000. 

 

 

 

164.2

Alresford Pocket Guide

Stocks – figure not available

Chamber’s view is to go via internet but RG fears it is inappropriate to just lose the pocket guide altogether.  Positive decision required whether to produce or not and how, bearing in mind how quickly it goes out of date.  Is it our role to promote business in the Town?  MP – not willing to support individual businesses.  The Watercress Line send out the Trail Leaflet and a list of local accommodation with their leaflet but don’t make specific recommendations.

 

 

 

165

Tourism Strategy

 

 

As time was reduced at the meeting, limited discussion was possible.

Following the questions on, “What is the purpose of,” or, “Is there a need for an Alresford Tourism committee?” comments were;

RG ~ need to increase visitors to spend money ~ NATC’s responsibility

MP ~ NATC promote to benefit ratepayers. Increase viability of businesses we are benefitting the locals.

RG ~ The benefit from business is secondary whereas for WCC it is primary.

General agreement was given that the role is to increase the economic viability of the town through the time people spend in Alresford.  Whilst looking at tourism, we should review the ‘Winchester BID’ to see if this could be effective in Alresford.

Accredited accommodation should be displayed on the Tourism Noticeboard.

Committee members need to review the existing strategy for the next meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clerk

166

Reports

 

166.1

Winchester Tourism

Attached.

 

 

 

166.2

Chamber of Commerce

None available

 

 

 

166.3

Watercress Line

The Watercress Line’s biggest ever Autumn Steam Gala is taking place at the end of October with a strong line-up of visiting locomotives.  There will be quite a lot of road movement leading up to the event.  There have been some issues with road access at times due to people parking outside of the bays.  The Haulage Company is responsible for traffic management.  It was suggested that the WCC Parking Manager, Richard Hine be contacted when the movement is due.

Nearing the end of the season with the Christmas Santa Special coming up.  Due to concerns over parking and a decrease in business at Alton most engines are going to be kept in Alresford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 22nd February 2012 at 6.30pm in the Station Buffet

 

The Chairman closed the meeting at 7:45pm

 

 

 

 

Chair Signature______________________________         Date__________________