Nantwich tourism boost with new ‘coach-friendly status’

Nantwich has been awarded “coach friendly status” by the Confederation of Passenger Transport.

It could provide a big boost to the town’s tourism trade, with many travel companies now able to promote Nantwich as a destination for coach trips and tours.

Members of CPT announced the move at a Nantwich Town Council meeting.

Nantwich Rotarian Peter Saunders, who has worked with retailers and the council to gain the status, was also at the presentation.

The confederation is the trade body representing all bus companies and most coach companies in the UK.

A spokesman said: “The coach friendly scheme is to recognise locations which are providing facilities to welcome coach visitors to their town.

“We receive submissions, carry out inspections of facilities, and assess whether a town deserves it. We receive many applications, but not many are chosen.

“So we are delighted to announce that Nantwich has been chosen. We were shown around and were very impressed with what has been going on in the town.

“You offer a tourist proposition which is much greater than an awful lot of destinations.”

The status has provided a huge boost to other similar sized towns, with some showing a 170% boost in visitor numbers and business.

“We will be promoting Nantwich in the tourism industry, and will provide marketing materials for the town council to use,” he added.

Nantwich Mayor Cllr Christine Farrall said: “This is a very important step for Nantwich.

“We are very conscious of our heritage in Nantwich, and it is important we bring people in to the town to show them what we have – it’s a beautiful town.”

Mr Saunders added: “We took this on some time ago to bid for this, and we’ve been delighted at the response from others in the town, particular Ian the council clerk.”

(Pic above, l to r: Peter Saunders, Rotary, Nantwich Mayor Christine Farrall, receiving ‘coach friendly’ certificate from Sue Mullen and Alf Srimgour, of CPT)