MORECAMBE'S tourism industry leaders say they are angered by council calls for them to 'put up or shut up'. Economic Development and Tourism chairman, Cllr Jean Yates, last week issued an eight-point letter challenging the resort's private sector to put its house in order. Her remarks came after Frontierland boss, Geoffrey Thompson, criticised the council for not doing enough to promote the resort.

And the president of Morecambe's Hoteliers, Colin Richardson, says Cllr Yates' letter revealed "a lack of business sense."

"My entire future is invested in the resort and I couldn't believe Cllr Yates' claims," said Mr Richardson. "How can a business plan a future while the long-term picture remains uncertain? If she doesn't understand this then she's naive.

"Geoffrey Thompson has invested plenty in this resort and should be supported. With regard to Bubbles, I fail to see how a private company can invest when it is tied to a short-term lease which prevents it trading competitively. We're horrified that Bubbles has drawn the short straw and may be forced to close. If Bubbles disappears, it will halve the family business in the resort."

In Cllr Yates' stinging attack she also criticised hoteliers for not taking advantage of a tourism initiative at Lancaster and Morecambe College. Only six hoteliers turned up to the special meeting but Mr Richardson did attend.

He said: "I was at the meeting and remember waiting for the guest of honour who failed to turn up. It was none other than Economic Development and Tourism Chairman, Cllr Jean Yates!"

Backing Mr Thompson's call for greater promotion of the resort, Mr Richardson added: "Despite the best efforts of the remaining staff at Morecambe Tourism there was no one heading the department during an important part of the year and there has been poor national advertising."

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