Hatchery's future under spotlight

The centre has been beset with difficulties since it opened

The future of a Cornish visitor attraction is to be discussed by councillors on Thursday.

Padstow's Lobster Hatchery is currently experiencing a cash shortage and has seen a drop in visitor numbers.

The £300,000 centre has been beset with difficulties since it opened, and there were concerns it would have to close unless it attracted more visitors.

Now the owners are planning to upgrade the centre's equipment at a cost of £80,000.

Cornwall County Council is considering contributing, but only if other district councils make a donation.

The matter will be discussed by North Cornwall District councillors on Thursday afternoon.

Fewer tourists than expected have been visiting the hatchery, which is the first of its kind in the UK.

The centre, which opened in 2002, needed to attract 50,000 visitors a year to break even and has only been achieving half that number.