A Northumberland town is set for a series of improvements as visitor numbers continue to grow.
Wooler is to get a £650,000 investment in infrastructure following a report which stated that over the past 18 months, the number of visitors attracted to the area for day trips, short breaks and holiday had steadily grown following the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Northumberland County Council's Cabinet agreed to the funding after it heard that the appeal of staycations is likely to continue, as is the desire of more residents to explore their local countryside more often.
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As well as a gateway to Northumberland National Park, many people use Wooler as a base when visiting College Valley, Ingram Valley and the Cheviots.
It is intended that over the next 6 - 9 months, the funding will be used for a refurbishment of the public toilets at the bus station, a new 'overflow' car parking facility close to the town centre, and the creation, in partnership with Northumberland National Park and Ad Gefrin Trust, of a new country park car park next to the Ad Gefrin archaeological site.
The Ad Gefrin Visitor Centre, which is due to open in Autumn 2022, is expected to be a fully-immersive visitor experience showcasing the Anglo Saxon Golden Age and the county's first legal whisky distillery in Northumberland in 200 years - and is expected to bring even more tourists to the town.
Councillor John Riddle, Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member for Local Services, said: "We're seeing a steady rise in visitor numbers to this beautiful town and with the opening of the Ad Gefrin visitor centre later this year that number is set to increase.
"Our concern is the current lack of facilities and infrastructure for visitors could have a detrimental impact on the ability of the Visitor Centre and Distillery to act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of north Northumberland.
"We have to therefore make sure we have the right infrastructure in place but manage future numbers in a way that not only protects the natural assets of this area but also respects the needs of both local residents and visitors."
Wooler Councillor Mark Mather said: “I'm extremely happy that the cabinet has listened to calls for infrastructure improvements within the Wooler ward.
“We want every visitor to leave with a lasting impression of the town and the pride its residents and council have in it. The key to this lies within having the right infrastructure in place to cater to the needs of residents and visitors alike. This is an exciting time for the area with the opening of Ad Gefrin.”
