TOURISM in Fenland was given an unexpected boost by council leader Alan Melton after he revealed plans to spend �100,000 on experts to create a new website.

In a late alteration to the council’s budget, �100,000 was set aside from an emergency pot of �1.58million for web-based development of tourism.

Cllr Melton said at last Thursday’s meeting of the council: “The way we provide tourist information and attract people into the district is not cost-effective.

“We need to make tourist information accessible wherever the public go and one of the tools we can use is a web-based tool. But to do what we would like to, our current web facility is not fit for purpose.”

The council has a new website in the pipeline but Cllr Melton said it would not be suitable to promote tourism, industry and commerce.

He said: “We intend to set �100,000 aside for web-based development. It may not be enough but it’s a start. We need to bring in people who can tell us it’s good enough.

“Attracting tourists is probably a low priority for the public but I don’t think they understand how important it is to Fenland. It’s our shop window to attract others to the district, particularly those who may want to invest.

“Returns on this investment could be significant in years to come. As a result, this is a top priority.”

The pledge was supported in particular by Councillor Simon King who said: “Tourism and leisure is an under-developed aspect of this district. This money is a good starting point.”