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Visitor numbers at Redoubt fall short
THE NUMBER of visitors paying a trip to the Redoubt is less then expected according to figures released by Eastbourne Borough Council.
A study into the finances and performance of the local authority during the third quarter of 2011/12 shows that during that time just 2,764 people visited the sea fortress.
The local authority estimated around 18,500 people would visit the attraction but, with 6,278 popping in during the previous quarter, is seems unlikely that target will be hit.
Built in the early 1800s, the Redoubt was home to naval troops for more than 100 years before being brought back into use during the Second World War amid the threat of a Nazi invasion.
It currently houses a host of exhibitions and is full-to-bursting with artifacts from the area’s military past.
However, fewer people seem to be lured by its showcases, prompting one outspoken opposition councillor to call on the Lib Dem-dominated authority to do more.
A dismayed Councillor Tom Liddiard told the council’s cabinet, “More should have been done before this point to have ensured this did not happen.”
Tourism boss Tracey McNulty wrote in a recent report that the reason visitor figures were lower than anticipated was because of the overall economic climate and far less people walking by because of the closure suffered at Treasure Island.
It was a sentiment shared by the authority’s head of tourism Cllr Neil Stanley, who told the Herald, “The Redoubt has enjoyed a busy year in 2011 despite the wider economy still feeling the effects of the recession.
“We are confident that as the year progresses we can demonstrate the Redoubt’s success even more, with an events programme, wedding bookings, and new cafe all set to attract even more footfall to this wonderful historic venue on our seafront.
“With a commitment to making further improvements to the Redoubt, including better signage, more events, and improved accessibility, which is a priority project for the next year, our ambitions are expected to continue to drive visitor numbers during 2012.”
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
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Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
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Comments
There are 2 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
Carter
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 07:53 AMSam, absolutely not. It's time to STOP wasting money on consultants. If the eejits in post at the council are unable to do their jobs they should be sacked. We don't pay them to allocate 10s of thousands of pounds of taxpayers money to consultants to come up with such gems as charging admission for the Airshow. The fact is the redoubt is only suffering the same fate as the rest of eastbourne, a downturn in trade due to the grim economic position the UK's in. In such times the council has to expect that there will be a period of quiet and to help things along they could CUT PARKING CHARGES!!!!
sweirysam@aol.com
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 08:11 AMRedoubt and many other Eastbourne Tourist Facilities are mismanaged by Eastbourne Borough Council Tourism Dept. Dont blame the economy Look again at all the possibilities and opportunities missed to how to revive the fortune of the Redoubt and many other Eastbourne Tourist Facilities. In my opinion, if EBC cant manage let in Professionals to do it for you Dont waste Tax Payers Money on useless ideas. Bring in the Professionals ASAP Sam Sweiry in the North Harbour
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