COULD I reply to a letter from Audrey Jones (Citizen: June,19) as I must take issue on a couple of points. Rather than not understanding the economics of either the private sector or public sector, unfortunately I know only too well the financial constraints placed on business today.

I work in the private sector and am constantly reminded of the need to keep within budget. As in the private sector the same applies to the council. We have to work within a budget, a great chunk of which (£250,000 per year) goes to the Bubbles complex. If people are happy to pay that then the issue will be debated, but if it is the wish of the people we pay more, then I know both the leader and the chief executive will expect me to make cuts elsewhere. Let's examine some of the options:

1cut back on marketing and promotion - we can't do that because we are already accused of not spending enough

2cut back on our portion of grounds maintenance so that grass and flower beds both on the promenade and Happy Mount Park would not be maintained - we can't do that as both residents and tourists love the flowers and are asking us to upgrade if anything

3cut back on staff producing the holiday guide and the various leaflets publicising the district's events and attractions, developing links with travel writers and oversees visitors, attending trade fairs and liaising with hoteliers and business people - we can't do that because we are already accused that the Tourism Office is all but closed

4cut back on tourist information centres so that there would be nowhere for visitor inquiries. Last year Lancaster TIC had well over 100,000 visitors (although Morecambe did not have so many) - we cannot close the TIC.

5cut back on councillors. "A great idea - the best you've had yet!" I hear you say. I don't think my councillors' allowance would help to offset any of the above and anyhow - aren't we here to see the budgets spent correctly?

We are aggressively marketing Bubbles as a leisure opportunity site. It would be my wish and the wish of others to see a revamp of what is a prime site in the middle of a regenerated Morecambe.

You and others may think I antagonised Frontierland, but it seems to me we are only asking them to upgrade, just as we have many others. I realise Frontierland is an attraction people visit and enjoy but many others have been happy to co-operate with the council. I hope we can still speak freely in this country and can tell Frontierland what people are telling us.

Cllr Janice Hanson

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