AN ACTION plan is being developed to make Norton Radstock a more attractive destination for tourists.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has been discussing a draft development plan for the two towns.

Although tourism is seen as one of the major industries in the district, generating more than £195 million a year for the local economy, Norton Radstock is seen as the 'poor relation'.

So B&NES is working to address the imbalance by spreading the benefits of visitors more evenly across the region. A report was discussed at the Guildhall on Thursday, October 5.

It read: "There is a feeling that Norton Radstock has been neglected for too long and tourism is seen as having a key role to play in regenerating the area.

"There is strong loyalty and attachment to the area amongst the community, including a hard core of volunteers who are involved in various related projects.

"However, there is frustration that some elements of (regeneration) are not proceeding as quickly as people would like due to unforeseen complications.

"There is also a perception that B&NES does not promote Norton Radstock as comprehensively as Wansdyke District Council used to in the past, as it covers a far wider area and is dominated by Bath."

So the draft strategy has suggested establishing a detailed promotional plan. This includes producing and distributing local guides, developing the local website, organising themed promotions and laying on familiarisation trips for tourism staff.

This may go some way to allaying local claims that regional staff do not know the Norton Radstock area very well and therefore cannot promote it as well as they could.

In the short term, the council claims there is no justification for a dedicated tourist information centre.

However, it does believe Radstock Museum could be promoted as an information point if the opening hours are extended.

The council also believes there is scope for a a retailer to provide a limited service.

This might be done on the basis of an agreement where the retailer provides display space and answers questions (following training) in return for marketing support - and the benefit of increased visitors.

The report added: "B&NES, although dominated by the city of Bath, is keen to promote its green hinterland and is working to improve the town and its amenities."