CLAIM that Upton-upon-Severn needs to attract wealthy, professional visitors has been refuted by the chairman of the town's Tourism and Trade Association.

"We welcome all tourists and visitors," said Bill Dovey.

"It's wrong to say we only want wealthy people. It looks as though we are turning our noses up at the normal family visitor and that is not true."

Similar sentiments were expressed by the Mayor, Coun Eric White, at the last council meeting, when he said anyone who wanted to visit the town would be embraced.

'No passports'

"We don't issue our own passports. It's an open community and it's up to people to come if they want to," he said.

Mr Dovey's comments follow the reported remarks of the Malvern Hills District Council tourism manager, Angela Lessimore, who said Upton had good-quality attractions and accommodation suitable for over-45s with high disposable incomes.