Stopovers UK Campaign Forums

Drifter

Whilst I fully support the STOPOVERS UK campaign, they have appeared to have made a classic tactical error. I also understand why this tactical error has occurred, as the magazine has a first priority to it's readership (including me) and it's circulation.

The tactical error relates to Wales.

Firstly, tourism, roads, environment and planning legislation, all of which are involved in establishing Aires, come under the control of the Welsh Assembly Government and the various quangos that report to it. All things that will effect STOPOVERS in Wales are under devolved government.

Secondly, the local councils that have areas of power over this, also have responsibilities to the Welsh Assembly government in these areas.

Thirdly, and this makes the STOPOVERS UK campaign a non starter, is that there is the Welsh Language Act, giving equal status to the Welsh language as well as English in Wales. Even at the basics of erecting signage and conducting publicity, no public body in Wales, will ever do anything that is not also in the Welsh language.

There is a local government political reality in Wales. Two of the unitary authorities are controlled by the nationalists, and they are hardly going to support making facilities under the heading of the UK, most of the other authorities (particularly those in the 'touristic' areas have no overall control and the nationalists have sway.

I am not making any political statement, one way or the other, just to explain the reality of the situation. For a starter, the branding and signage could possibly be STOPOVERS WALES - SAFLE GOFFWYS CYMRU. Also, the places where Airs are best located occur in the National Parks, CADW owned land, and that controlled by the Countryside Commission Wales. It might be wise to engage these bodies in discussion over Aires. They own all the car parks, existing facilities and control local planning issues. The Wales tourist Board don't yet have any policy relating to MotorHomes , which is a shame as they actually own parking and facilities all over Wales with their existing network.

Personally, I am now in Kent, but regularly weekend in Wales in my m/h. I still have family in various parts of Wales and have broached the subject over the restaurant table with various 'great and good' and these are the issues they have raised. Perhaps the Wrexham contingent on this forum could give a bit more info on the local setup of Aires in Wales, and a possible observation on tactics in the campaign. Will SAFLE GOFFWYS CYMRU likely to be more successful than STOPOVERS UK in particular parts of Wales ? One thing I do know is that the "Welshness" is very important for the Wales Tourist Board, as it's part of it's unique selling proposition in promoting inward tourism.

Any thoughts ?

BTW - Am having some very positive responses in Kent on establishment of stopovers facilities in publicly owned parking. But you never use them in the area you actually live !!

lecky7

I have also registered with this site.
As an aside, but still related to stopovers, does anyone know, or has stayed there, on a parking place on the cliffs above Dover, I think I saw it in a Magazine a while back, but cannot remember how to get to it. We are going across on the late ferry to Calais, & need somewhere quiet to have a couple of hours kip

peejay · Campsite DB Admin

Drifter,

That a very interesting point, why not email it to mcm, they may not be aware of this.

By the way, i can confirm that the practical m/home forum is HEAVILY censored, 2 of my posts have not appeared, so emailed them and got this response;
[quote:69c22ac700]Dear Peter,

Yes you are right about the importance of stopovers in the UK, especially
since they work so well in France. We will be giving this matter some
coverage in the magazine. If you come across any good places to stay for the
night, do get in touch.

Kind regards,

Julia Maitland
Managing Editor
[/quote:69c22ac700]

Absolutely no mention of my posts or the campaign. Probably why so many prefer to use the mhfacts forum!

pete

TerryVan

Just mailed my support.

I like the idea of multiple letters / e-mails to councils to highlight both stopovers and height barriers.

I also feel that any content should be polite and state that we spend money when parked up like any other tourist.

Terry

elbino

Totally agree with all thats gone before. Why not email MPs and the Tourist Board and try selling it on the basis of also attracting foreign visitors who stay away at present because of the lack of stopovers

Drifter

I've found some contact details that may be of use.
----------------------------------
Department of Tourism Strategy Surprised

Wales Tourist Board
Brunel House
2 Fitzalan Road
Cardiff
CF24 0UY
------------------------------------------------------------------- ---
There email addresses of tourist offices in Wales are on their website on :
[url=http://www.wtbonline.gov.uk/WTB.html?LINK=10002&PROFILE=NDpMT05fV1RCNzcwMTQ3OTpMT05fV1RCN DkyMjE2MDpFTkdMSVNIOlVTOjoxMDg0NTQ1Njg0Ojo0Og==]Wales Tourist Offices[/url]
------------------------------------------------------ ----------------
The Welsh Assembly Minister that covers tourism is :
Andrew Davies AM Rolling Eyes

Minister for Economic Development and Transport
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay
CARDIFF
CF99 1NA
Email details on the website :
[url=http://www.wales.gov.uk/who/members-biog2-e.htm#andrew_davies]Tourism Minister for Wales[/url]
-------------------------------------
Rhodri Glyn Thomas Wink

is the opposition equivilent.
Same site.
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The local authorities in Wales that have tourism promotion cabinet committees that I know of are :
Gwynedd Wink

Conwy

Rhondda Cynon Taff Wink

Ceredigion
Pembrokeshire
Camarthen
all of which have websites with contact details.
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CADW has a rather poor website Crying or Very sad

which is represntitive of all ancient monuments (car parks and facilities) they look after.
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If your in on the campaign or Aires in Wales then please put your mouse where your mouth is !!

Drifter
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