THE announcement of large scale job losses in manufacturing industry across East Lancashire over the past few weeks has highlighted how vulnerable the area is to any downturn in the economy.

And we stressed last week the importance of politicians coming up with specific, coherent proposals to halt the march of factory closures and cutbacks.

Today we hear of another industry where people are being urged to march forward with confidence into 2002 after a year which must rate as the worst in living memory.

The industry is tourism and it is a staggering fact that it's worth more than £1,200million every year and supports more than 44,000 full and part time jobs in Lancashire.

The scourge of foot and mouth decimated the farm and cottage accommodation side of the industry providing bed and breakfast. The setback came at a time when the money it generated, especially as a secondary income to farming, was sorely needed.

Add to that the big loss of foreign tourists, particularly Americans, in the aftermath of September 11 and it is amazing that some tourism businesses have managed to stay open at all.

The chairman of the Lancshire Tourism Partnership Anthony Goldstone says he is working with the industry to ensure that the message that the county is now fully open for business goes out loud and clear to ensure visitors are brought back.

Around 3000 inquiries have already come in from people as a result of the Partnership's Autumn Short Breaks Campaign and many more are expected as weekend walkers take to the countryside again.

He also says it is vital that plans are developed so that tourism will not be hit so hard if another similar tragedy occurs.

This isn't just a maybe. It is a must.