THE Best Village Pub competition got under way in St Albans this week, coinciding with the launch of a new pocket-sized guide to villages in the district.
Residents and visitors are invited to nominate their favourite watering hole for the top pub award, organised by the district council.
Councillor Malcom MacMillan portfolio holder for transport, development and enterprise, said: "Local pubs provide a vital service to their community and we want to reward those pubs which go that extra mile."
In a further celebration of the city's local treasures, the St Albans Out and About Guide profiles towns, villages and hamlets within the area, with information on what there is to see and do.
Councillor MacMillan added: "We want to encourage visitors to discover the charm of the villages to ensure that the benefits of tourism can be felt across the whole district, not just within one or two key tourist areas.
"It's essential that the rural economy gets a boost as it makes a significant contribution to the whole district."
Recent figures suggest tourism is worth more than £106 million per year to St Albans, with £73.9 million of that coming from 2.6 million day trips.
Landlord of The Pear and Partridge pub in London Colney Mr Nicholas Hunt said: "Pubs are the key to social life within the towns and villages of our district.
"They help strengthen the community and provide a place where people can meet, talk and support each other."
Mr Hunt's pub recently raised £2,400 for a local community activity. Councillor MacMillan thanked everyone involved in producing the new booklet.
The guide will be used as a marketing tool in conjunction with the forthcoming St Albans Official Visitor Guide to encourage people to visit the area.
It will also promote the work of local organisations, such as Countryside Management Service, by displaying walks and trails within the district.
Nominations for best village pub will be accepted until October 31 and the final decision will be announced in December. Nomination forms and the new St Albans Out and About guide are available from the city's tourist information centre and should be returned to Mark Gardner, Tourism Development Officer, St Albans District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter's Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE or email m.gardner@stalbans.gov.uk.
October 17, 2001 19:44
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