BUILDING a northern bypass instead of a western road to link Morecambe with the M6 will have a negative impact on tourism.

That's the view of leading hotelier Jim Catterall, who says the Western link road is essential to the regeneration of Morecambe and tourism in the whole area.

"The road has got to go South because people coming from the South come off at junction 33, which then delays their journey because they get caught up in all the gridlock.

"By the time they have struggled through the traffic they could have stayed on the motorway and been in the Lake District - and a lot of people do that because it's easier. That means Morecambe loses out.

"People by-passing us also hits Lancaster because I know there are lots of people who stay at our hotel but don't go io Lancaster because they don't want to spend half of their holiday stuck in a car in a traffic jam.

He says that the need for a link road to Morecambe has been a hot topic 'for donkey's years' - and not just with locals. Even tourists who make an occasional visit recognise the stupidity of the present situation.

He says: "I'm not exactly sure what other members of the local hoteliers' association think, but I don't know of anyone who would want the northern route.

"The western road will boost tourism and would mean the resort would see more investment, which would in turn draw more people to Morecambe. This road is essential to the future of the resort."

Cllr Ron Sands, Lancaster City Coun-cil's cabinet member for tourism, says any road will be good for the resort.

"Any of the roads will help tourism and I support the northern road which the county council is backing because it is the one which has the best opportunity for success.

"It would be a boost to tourism because, with good signing, people will find the quickest way into Morecambe. And as far as heavy goods vehicles are concerned there will be regulation which prevents them from going down the normal roads instead of the link."