WORCESTER must make much more of its unique history – or risk losing out in the battle for tourism to rival cities.

That’s the message from a leading politician, who says the Faithful City needs to start making more of an effort to catch up with other areas.

Councillor Richard Udall went on a visit to Leicestershire recently and was left awestruck by the interest generated among visitors by the Battle of Bosworth, a 15th-century conflict which ended the Wars of the Roses.

A major heritage centre and country park draws in people from across the country, including an exhibition, shop, facilities for schools and a trail explaining the background and lasting impact of the historic battle.

Coun Udall, a city and county councillor, said he was passing the East Midland county and saw signs for the facility before going on a fact-finding mission.

“We’ve got a wonderful city with a huge range of attractions, but I really do think we’ve never exploited our history as much as we should,” he said. “There is a case to be made for Worcester to shout much more loudly about it’s past, without a doubt.

“I was passing through Leicestershire and saw signs for the Battle of Bosworth, so followed it to have a look.

“There was an exhibition, shop and tourist information centre. It was really fantastic – yet the conflict was far less significant than the Battle of Worcester.”

And visitors were making the most of the facilities on offer, he said.

“The centre was packed, hundreds of people were parked there.

“I noticed it was £2.50 to park and it was largely full. There was even space for coaches,” Coun Udall said.

“This battle was less important than the conflict in Worcester.

“We’ve got so much history here we simply must make better use of. We have a significant advantage over most of our competitors in this area, we should be using it.”

The feedback has been taken on board by Worcester City Council’s Labour leadership and Worcestershire County Council.

Bosses at County Hall say they are actively working on the idea of a tourist trail in Worcester, alongside the museums service.

More details are expected to emerge over the coming months about what the county council intends to do.

The Battle of Worcester, on September 3, 1651, was the final conflict of the English Civil War.