MAP Do we need to improve what we offer?

Sub-section 4: Do we need to improve what we offer?

Q12. Visitor information

a.If there is a Tourist or Visitor Information Centre in the town, how well used is it?

b.Where are the Visitor Information Points in the town?

c.Around the town and its environs, are there:

current visitor guides

town trails

up to date walking and cycling trails

Consider the number of enquiries in various forms, including phone calls, ‘hits’ to the Internet and the number of visitors to the Centre.

(Worksheets EN1 Q10; EN3 Q7; T1 Q5; T2 Q6; T3 also refer to pedestrian access. Worksheets EN3 Q6,7; S5; S6; T3 Q17 also refer to recreation and leisure))

There is a small Tourist Information Centre in the Mill Yard Building – it has a number of promotional leaflets provided by Tonbridge & Malling Council but is not manned Also a small Tourist Information stand in Abbey Arcade is manned from time to time by the Malling Society. There is an excellent Visitors MAP & GUIDE by The Malling Society for West Malling available at Library & Tourist Information Centre Heritage Open Day guide to attractions in Tonbridge & Malling advertising leaflets

Q13. Is there adequate and effective pedestrian and road signing to visitors’ attractions and services (for example, parking and public toilets, the Tourist Office and the town centre)?

Look at signage to/from tourist attractions from key points such as at car parks, the train station, and between attractions.

Signs for Town centre, not for visitor attractions, Little Tourism Signage: Few Tourist Unclear where to park for visitors/tourists

Q14. How convenient is public transport for shopping areas/facilities and tourist attractions?

(Worksheets EN1 Q10; S3 Q1,4; T1; T2; T3 also refer to public transport or travel)

Local Public Transport E.G. bus services to and from hinterland could be improved

Q15. Parking

a.How many car parks, coach parks, meters, free parking zones, etc, are there?

b.Are they situated conveniently for the Town Centre, shopping and tourist attractions?

(Worksheets EN1 Q9; S7 Q2; T1; T3 also refer to transport access)

Whilst parking is free it is under considerable pressure from conflict of Residents – Workers & Visitor demands. However – streets are in main easily navigable for coaches and options for medium term Coach Parking in Country Park – On St Leonard’s St; at Local Hotels should be investigated.

Q16. To what extent do the number, range and quality of visitor services and ancillary services match visitor expectation and needs?

(Worksheets EN1; EN2; EN3; S3 Q7,11 also refer to environmental quality)

Tourist and Visitor numbers are well below capacity of Town to cater for (parking excepted) – the town has lots of historic interest; restaurants and green space close by

Q17. What do visitors think about the general appearance and attractiveness of the town/hinterland, and the public facilities?

Look at:

The number of and standard of public facilities (for example, public toilets; seating (in covered and uncovered areas); accessibility for older people and the less able; litter bins. Add to this list as appropriate.

The general appearance: for example, are the streets clean and tidy? Is graffiti a problem? Are there well-tended flower beds and borders, etc? Are the railway station/bus terminals in good repair? Add to this list as appropriate.

(Worksheets EN1; EN2; EN3; S3 Q7, 11 also refer to environmental quality. Worksheets EN1; EN2; EN3 Q4; S2; S3 Q13; S5 Q8; S6 also refer to the built environment)

Town in general has a good appearance – with the Parish Council at forefront of ensuring it retains its Conservation Area status. Some scope does remain to improve and maintain specific areas

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