A BAND of volunteers - brought together to boost tourism in Clevedon - are appealing to residents in the town for help

A BAND of volunteers - brought together to boost tourism in Clevedon - are appealing to residents in the town for help to attract more visitors to the seaside resort.Clevedon Tourism Group is asking people in the town to suggest ways of how they can attract more visitors and improve the seaside resort.The group is also asking people to donate cash to help them put together a website and brochures promoting the town. It wants volunteers to step forward and manage events to attract crowds to Clevedon.Clevedon Tourism Group chairman Clive Bishop said: "I would like to raise the question - does Clevedon want tourism."If yes, then there are some great opportunities out there but as we are a voluntary group with no actual status, we have limited resources. This is why we are asking all residents, workers and companies in Clevedon along with the town council to help us."Mr Bishop said tourism brought many benefits to Clevedon including business for local attractions, shops, pubs and restaurants.He added tourism also generated jobs in the town for local people.Mr Bishop said: "We already have some great work being done by the likes of Clevedon Pier trust, The Curzon, the Marlens and other social and sports organisations in Clevedon."But for one I would like to see sustainable things done so we can have regular events throughout the year such as Christmas markets, summer festivals and sports and entertainment events for tourists and locals alike. More accommodation options would be ideal, especially those that are willing to take on national accreditation, all of which would boost Clevedon's popularity and raise the standards that we as a town can offer."I would welcome all appropriate input from interested parties, especially people and companies who can positively help us in our aim."Mr Bishop added he hoped the drive would also win the backing of both North Somerset Council and Clevedon Town Council.Anyone who wants to help or get involved should contact Mr Bishop at Clevedon Tourism Group, PO Box 209, Clevedon, BS21 5WB or e-mail clevedontourism@blueyonder.co.uk or join the group at its next meeting on June 18 at 10.30am at the Walton Park Hotel, Clevedon.