Partnership planning for Rasen area tourism boost

That is the message from the town’s community partnership as they look at helping build the local retail, hospitality and visitor economy post-covid.

As English Tourism Week approaches, and working within current restrictions, plans are being put in place to make the most of what the town and area has to offer.

Jo Pilley, a town councillor and member of the community partnership group, is heading up the tourism team and is keen to see the local area marketed in a more positive light.

She said: “We are looking at the long term promotion of the area – showing just what we have to offer.

“Tourism week, which runs from May 22, is the perfect opportunity to get the ball rolling.

“In the long term we want to establish a permanent tourist information centre for the town, but to begin with we will be holding a series of pop-up kiosks.

“We are also looking at using the adopted phone box in the Market Place as an information point.”

Things will get under way with a small pop-up market on Saturday May 22 in the Market Place, where there will be the first of the information stands.

Mrs Pilley said: “The market will be smaller than we have had in previous times to allow for distancing measures to be in place.

“We will have the tourist information stand in place and we are pleased to be working with the Rase Heritage Society to offer a guided walk in the afternoon.”

The topic of the walk will be Market Rasen Churches and Chapels, starting at 2pm.

Booking is essential and numbers will be limited.

Mrs Pilley continued: “The tourist information stand will be back on Tuesday, May 25, which is the traditional market day for the town and Rase Heritage will be offering a second guided walk on the afternoon of Sunday, May 30, which again must be booked in advance.”

In a bid to boost community spirit last year as lockdown restrictions continued, the community partnership worked on hanging baskets for the town, which received many compliments.

This year, the baskets will be back, with organiser Peter Harrold promising things will be ‘bigger and better’.

He said: “We are working again with Tower Nurseries at Hemswell Cliff, who did such a fantastic job last year.

“In addition, and thanks to sponsorship from a number of local businesses, we are extending the bloomin’ benefits to the entrances of the town with planted troughs.

“The baskets and planters will be in place in time for Tourism Week.”

Timetable for Tourism Week

Sunday May 16

Hanging baskets and planters installed, together with town tidy.

Saturday May 22

Pop-up market in market place, with tourism information stand and tombola stall.
Afternoon guided walk on ‘Churches and Chapels’.

Tuesday May 25

Market Day and tourist information stand in market place.

Sunday May 30

Afternoon guided walk on ‘Rasen Heritage’.

• To book on one of the free walks email Jo Pilley on [email protected] or call Stephen Bunney on 07506 188570