Only four businesses stepped up to contribute towards council's Welcome to Yorkshire costs (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Only four businesses stepped up to contribute towards council's Welcome to Yorkshire costs

3:09pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Ashley Barnard, Reporter (Richmond)

ONLY four businesses have so far stepped up to support a district council in its bid to raise funds to continue its subscription to Welcome to Yorkshire.

Richmondshire District Council needs to raise £5,000 from local businesses by the summer in order to meet the membership costs for the tourism body.

The council has said it will match fund the £5,000 if private operators can raise it – but so far only £1,350 has been put forward.

Welcome to Yorkshire has increased its annual membership fee for the council from £1,237 to £10,000 as their Government funding has been slashed.

The latest business to contribute is the Hawes Ropemakers, run by Ruth and Peter Annison, adding £250 to the pot.

It joins Bolton Castle, near Leyburn, and the Wensleydale Creamery and the Bay Tree Cafe, both in Hawes.

Richmondshire District Council leader John Blackie said: “We recognise as a major tourism operator in Richmondshire it is very important for the district council to remain a member of Welcome to Yorkshire, the best tourism operator in the country, especially as the once in a lifetime bonanza of the Tour de France will be passing through Hawes in July next year.”

The council decided in January to cease its membership to Welcome to Yorkshire when the subscription fees were put up by nearly £9,000 – but many councillors and local businesses thought it would be “short-sighted” to back out of its marketing and promotional service.

Coun Blackie added: “I thank the four businesses we have so far, but I remind the larger tourist businesses and business associations in the district that we are still looking for help to match the council’s £5,000.

“I hope those people who have applauded Welcome to Yorkshire will consider the value of the council being a member of the organisation by providing some match funding.

“Having the Tour de France is a wonderful coup for Richmondshire, and the council will willingly contribute around £50,000 towards staging this world class event because of its huge importance to the prosperity of local businesses and the employment they offer.”

Anyone wishing to add to the tourism fund is asked to contact Coun Blackie directly on 01969-667123 or cllr.j.blackie@richmondshire.gov.uk.