Prime Minsiters stock reply to the Peat Moor Centre

[Guest]

I suspect no surprises.. I few sharing concerns and a big BUT...

lets see shall we?

http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page20384

Local authorities are key providers of tourist services and experiences and play a central role in the successful promotion of attractions in their locality for domestic and overseas visitors alike. However, tourism, along with the rest of cultural services is a non-statutory service, and for that reason local authorities are not obliged to provide tourist facilities. Therefore, the Government cannot intervene in day-to-day decisions of local authorities such as this.

The decision to close the Peat Moors centre should be made based on a balanced assessment of local priorities, including the interests of the tourism industry. And the Government recommends that spending decisions of this kind are made in consultation with the Regional Development Agency, which has strategic responsibility for the development of tourism in the region.

The Government is fully aware of the strength of local feeling about the proposed closure of Peat Moors in Somerset, and has some sympathy with the community. We understand Somerset Council will explore possible alternative options for the future of the Centre with one of the solutions involving an organisation such as Natural England. A feasibility study will be undertaken to investigate whether it can create an Avalon Marshes Visitor Centre that will create a gateway to the Natural England National Nature reserves on the levels and moors.
xx(

[PeterM]

Ahh, Natural England - I'll lay odds no one talks to me about it! Time to investigate what the right hand is doing in the organisation!!

[archgirl19]

Presumably it will be the local Natural England Office Peter?

[BAJR Host]

Sort it out Mr P

[YellowPete]

how official?

!

[BAJR Host]

Grants for construction and refurbishment work at 34 museums throughout the UK have been announced by culture minister Barbara Follett.
The ?4m grants include ?150,000 for the Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes.
The grant will be used to create a new Bronze Age Gallery to house material excavated from the heart of the Stonehenge World Heritage site.

The new gallery will feature Britain's richest Bronze Age burial, found at Bush Barrow, near Stonehenge.
The finds from the burial have been described as 'Britain's first Crown Jewels'. The gold finds will be on permanent display in Wiltshire for the first time in generations.
The Museum is home to the best Bronze Age collections in Britain, and the new displays will be at the heart of a revitalised museum, which will also feature a lift to enable access to all the museum displays. The new gallery will be developed in collaboration with the planned new Stonehenge Visitor Centre.
IF only the could also find money for the Peat Moors Centre in Somerset, which is set to be closed due to lack of funding despite local and national protest.
Think on!