Midhurst tourism group seeks support

And yesterday evening (Monday, January 18) Philippa McCulloch and David Stanton from the Midhurst Tourism MTP) Partnership made a special appeal to members.

Philippa outlined the work of the MTP which also runs the Visit Midhurst website.

She said a small town such as Midhurst needed visitors.

“It is important to look beyond the town boundaries and attract people from nearby towns to shop in Midhurst and tourists to visit.”

The ‘Visit Midhurst’ brochure had been redesigned by the MTP team, she said and the website had also had a makeover.

But she said: “We feel we are on our own. In the past there was a little bit more involvement from the council. It is important we involve the town council with what we are doing, not working in isolation.”

Philippa also said the MTP was looking for ‘more continued support’ rather than applying annually for grants to carry out work. She suggested an ongoing grant of £750.

“In the past there was also some administrative support available when the former town clerk and her deputy were treasurer and secretary of the MTP.

“We are not asking for a lot an administrative support,” she said, “but it would be nice to have some connection and time from one or your members of staff to keep us on the straight and narrow.”

“Basically we can’t do it on our own, we need some time and funding support over a longer period than just an ad hoc year by year basis.”

Town councillors were reminded former clerk Joan Hursthouse and deputy Natasha Young worked on a voluntary basis for the group.

But Gordon McAra told fellow councillors: “It doesn’t mean we can’t make it one of the duties of the staff. The MTP is one of the most important things in the town - it helps to sustain our economy.

Vice chairman John Quilter added: “There has been such an enormous advance in the town and the need has never been rater to attract visitors.”

Members are to discuss giving more support to the group at their next finance and general purposes meeting.

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