ROSSENDALE and Darwen MP Jake Berry has demanded answers after the constituency was ‘snubbed’ by a new tourism guide.
He has written to the chief of the North West Development Agency for an explanation as to why the area was not included in its guide published to promote the region's economy.
Mr Berry, the newly-elected Conservative MP, said: “I picked up a copy of the Prime Guide while travelling down to Westminster.
“When reading it I was surprised to note that no towns in Rossendale or Darwen were shown on the map of Lancashire, nor was the M66.
“In the Valley we have some of the best tourism attractions in Lancashire.
“Rossendale and Darwen are looking to tourism for a major contribution to its economy and as such, no tourism guide for the North West of England should be considered complete without mentioning what we have to offer.
“I have asked that any future edition highlights Rossendale and Darwen.”
Bosses at the NWDA have defended their latest edition which features Cheshire, the Lake District, Liverpool and Manchester.
Nigel Dove, director of marketing, said: “Prime is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of the region’s attractions and events.
“It is a magazine-style publication aiming to highlight a selection of the North West’s culture and events and to inspire people to discover more.
"It also signposts people to further sources of information, including the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board.
“Published half-yearly, its content changes to reflect major events taking place at that time.
“The publication has highlighted the Panopticon ‘Halo’ at Rossendale on a number of occasions, including in the current issue.
“We are currently researching content for the next edition and will consider any events or attractions in Rossendale and Darwen that appeal to the target audience.”
>> top attractions
Jake Berry’s places to visit in Rossendale and Darwen.
- Darwen: Jubilee Tower
- Darwen: Sunnyhurst Wood
- Helmshore: Textile Museum
- Haslingden: The Halo Panopticon
- Rawtenstall: East Lancashire Railway
- Whitworth: Fudge Village
- Various locations: Adrenaline Gateway
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