Help for ailing tourist attraction

The centre attracted 40,000 visitors in its first year

A firm of marketing consultants has been asked to turn around the fortunes of a Shropshire tourist attraction.

The latest figures show a sharp decline in the number of paying visitors to the Secret Hills Discovery Centre, which is due to receive a visit from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh when they tour the county next month.

The £2m attraction in Craven Arms showcases the environment and history of the south Shropshire hills.

It opened two-and-a-half years ago and drew more than 40,000 visitors in its first 12 months.

But numbers fell to 27,000 in the second year and the county council say this is a matter of concern.

It is believed that the availably of some facilities free of charge is one of the reasons for the centre's problems.

A report to be discussed by councillors this week says the marketing consultants will present their proposals by September.