Heritage tourism contributes £20bn to UK economy

... according to a report from The Heritage Lottery Fund (entitled "Investing in Success") and yet West Dorset District Council refuse to use their powers of compulsory purchase to save The Three Cups which is the greatest heritage asset in Lyme Regis.

Perhaps it is the intention of WDDC to let this national and international treasure fall to pieces. Perhaps it is too much trouble for them to act in the interests of the local people and local economy. They should have got the message by now that it would not cost the council to purchase the hotel because it can be sold the same day to one of the many hoteliers who want to own it and run it AS A HOTEL. This was explained very eloquently by Michael Turner QC at the meeting in the Woodmead Halls on 5th June last year for those who could be bothered to attend.

And as for that comment at the last WDDC meeting that compulsory purchase of The Three Cups would mean that the council would have to purchase every failing business in the area, I think the electorate are owed an apology for that insult to their intelligence. Or maybe it means that some councillors ought to be replaced at the next elections.